Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Somerville, MA

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Somerville

A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. These are the most widespread ones for Somerville residents:

• Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Somerville gets, 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.
• Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
• Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
• Standing water: Standing water around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

Your home's structural integrity weighs heavily on its foundation. It's important to select the most qualified crew possible. Focus your research on these qualities:

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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how its team will draft plans and pull permits, how the company inspects foundations, and what local codes apply to your project.

Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will disclose how long it's been operating. It might also upload blog posts to help interested parties.

Customer Reviews

When you're researching a company's standing, 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 complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. The BBB shows how companies address 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 clear communication about problems.

Foundation Repair Cost in Somerville

The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the scale of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant deterioration, the typical cost falls at about $3,400. More involved projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,000. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.