Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Washington
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. These are the most widespread ones for Washington residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Washington receives, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Aging plumbing: While many Washington homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that causes your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To select a foundation repair contractor, you should consider what's most important to you. Use this list of criteria to help you go through the process.
Licensing and Experience
New Jersey requires home improvement contractors, including foundation companies, to register with the state's Division of Consumer Affairs. They're also required to apply for a home repair contractor license with the Department of Banking and Insurance, which regulates the financial business of construction work. Talk to representatives to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, inspection processes and permit ordinances.
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 committing to a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company manages them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate well, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we encourage you to search different websites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Washington
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $3,500. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $7,100 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $406 |
Leak Repair | $3,356 |
Stabilization | $5,879 |
Underpinning | $1,553 |
Waterproofing | $3,716 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Washington
How much does foundation repair cost in Washington?
What's the most popular foundation type in Washington?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a cellar. Exterior waterproofing is generally less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and forming physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
How long does foundation repair usually take?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)