Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Pittsfield, MA

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Pittsfield

Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Pittsfield residents:

• Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Pittsfield receives, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
• Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
• Aging plumbing: Pittsfield has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1947. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
• Standing water: Pooling water around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

To select a foundation repair business, you should consider what's most important to you. Use this list of criteria to help you go through the process.

Licensing and Experience

According to the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, foundation repair companies need at least a Home Improvement Contractor license to work in the commonwealth. For larger jobs and work that requires subcontracting, they'll also need a Construction Supervisor's License. Talk to staff to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, building codes and permit ordinances.

Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Usually, a business will show how long it's been in business. It might also share articles to assist prospective customers.

Customer Reviews

When you're researching a company's credibility, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB comments also show how companies handle complaints. A proactive team that aims to achieve amicable outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a company if you don't see effective communication about problems.

Foundation Repair Cost in Pittsfield

Foundation repair costs can range quite widely based on the degree of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is quite substantial deterioration, the average cost will be around $3,100. More intricate jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,900. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.