Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Woburn
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most widespread ones for Woburn residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Aging plumbing: Woburn has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1965. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Woburn gets, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't protect.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that causes your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity relies on its foundation. It's important to choose the most qualified crew possible. Center your research on these features:
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 details its representatives share. Ask about its inspection processes, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to measure a company's reputation is to look at its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
Before selecting a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB comments also show how companies resolve complaints. A proactive team that aims to achieve excellent outcomes is a good one. Avoid a company if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Woburn
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant deterioration, the average cost lands at about $3,400. More intricate projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,000. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $389 |
Leak Repair | $3,186 |
Stabilization | $5,565 |
Underpinning | $1,487 |
Waterproofing | $3,526 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Woburn
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Woburn?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews operate heavy machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or tremors. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)