Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Babylon
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. Here are the most widespread ones for Babylon residents:
- Aging plumbing: Babylon has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1961. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage 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.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Babylon experiences, 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: Water accumulation around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that results in your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be complicated. We encourage you to write down what you desire most in a provider, then evaluate each company on your selection against these characteristics.
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 its team will draft plans and pull permits, what local codes apply to your project, and how the company inspects foundations.
Another way to gauge a company's reputation is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues proactively and appropriately. You should steer clear of a company with many negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Babylon
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the scale of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the typical cost is about $2,900. More complex projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,900. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $343 |
Leak Repair | $2,742 |
Stabilization | $4,740 |
Underpinning | $1,314 |
Waterproofing | $3,027 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Foundation Repair Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Babylon
How much does foundation repair cost in Babylon?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Flooding
- Hairline cracks
- Discoloration or odors
- Uneven floors
- Plumbing leaks
- Mold and mildew
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Babylon foundation repair services?
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)