Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Albany
Foundation issues have some possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for Albany residents:
- Aging plumbing: The average Albany home construction year is 1968. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that causes your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation contractor, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each contractor on your list about the following qualities.
Licensing and Experience
New York's state government doesn't issue contracting licenses, but cities often choose to require them of foundation companies and other builders. For example, New York City requires foundation and excavating contractors to obtain a "Safety Registration Number" with a concrete work endorsement. They also need to register as a general contractor or home improvement contractor. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how the company inspects foundations, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and what local codes apply to your project.
One of the simplest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for how long the company has operated and what credentials its team holds. Many well-known companies offer educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, head 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. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has resolved issues appropriately and proactively. You should avoid a company with numerous negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Albany
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant damage, the normal cost is about $3,200. More complex projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,000. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
| Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crack Repair | $370 |
| Leak Repair | $3,009 |
| Stabilization | $5,236 |
| Underpinning | $1,418 |
| Waterproofing | $3,327 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Albany
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Albany?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues promptly.
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
That said, foundation repair crews use heavy equipment, 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)
