Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Buffalo
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the top ones for Buffalo residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly 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 weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's integrity relies on its foundation. It's important to hire the top professionals possible. Focus your research on 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. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about what local codes apply to your project, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and how the company inspects foundations.
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 qualifications. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, check out its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company handles them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has more negative reviews, and doesn't communicate well, you should avoid working with it.
Lastly, we encourage you to search additional sites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Buffalo
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly based on the scale of the problems and what needs to 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 damage, the average cost will be around $3,000. More intricate jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,900. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $353 |
Leak Repair | $2,841 |
Stabilization | $4,925 |
Underpinning | $1,353 |
Waterproofing | $3,139 |
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 Buffalo
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Buffalo?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Uneven floors
- Hairline cracks
- Mold and mildew
- Flooding
- Discoloration or odors
- Plumbing leaks
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 vibrations. 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)