Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Binghamton
Foundation issues have some possible causes. Here are the top ones for Binghamton residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Aging plumbing: Binghamton has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1955. 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.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to write down what you desire most in a company, then evaluate each company on your list against these 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 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 accreditations. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. 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, shows more negative reviews than positive ones, and doesn't communicate properly, you should think twice about working with it.
Finally, we suggest you search additional sites, like Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Binghamton
Foundation repair costs can range quite widely based on the degree of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is quite substantial destruction, the normal cost will be around $2,300. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,700. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $286 |
Leak Repair | $2,193 |
Stabilization | $3,724 |
Underpinning | $1,100 |
Waterproofing | $2,412 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Binghamton
How much does foundation repair cost in Binghamton?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
What are the different types of foundations in Binghamton?
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)