Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Waltham, MA

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Waltham

A few factors can lead to foundation issues. These are the most prevalent ones for Waltham residents:

• Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
• Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Waltham 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.
• Aging plumbing: Waltham has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1959. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that causes your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

To choose a foundation repair business, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you navigate 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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Inquire about its inspection methods, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.

One of the best ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to explore its website. Look for the company's history and the qualifications its team holds. Many prominent companies offer educational content for potential customers.

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 complaints and positive experiences. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company handles them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate properly, you should avoid working with it.

Finally, we encourage you to search other platforms, including Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.

Foundation Repair Cost in Waltham

The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost will likely fall around $3,400. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $7,000 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.