Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Bethlehem, NY

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Bethlehem

Some common reasons why Bethlehem homeowners face foundation problems include:

• Aging plumbing: The average Bethlehem home construction year is 1974. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
• Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
• Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't cover.
• Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

When choosing a foundation contractor, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each provider 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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through what its representatives say. Ask about its inspection processes, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.

One of the easiest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for the company's history and the qualifications its team holds. Many top companies provide educational content for prospective customers.

Customer Reviews

Before committing to a company, examine its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies resolve complaints. A responsive team that strives for excellent outcomes is a good one. Avoid a business if you don't see effective communication about problems.

Foundation Repair Cost in Bethlehem

Foundation repair costs can range quite widely based on the degree of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is quite substantial damage, the average cost will be around $3,200. More involved jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $7,000. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.