Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Clay
Foundation issues have multiple possible causes. Here are the top ones for Clay residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't cover.
- Aging plumbing: The average Clay home construction year is 1974. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity relies on its foundation. It's essential to hire the top professionals possible. Focus your research on these attributes:
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. Talk to team members to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, permit ordinances and inspection processes.
One of the easiest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for the company's years in business and the qualifications its team holds. Many top companies provide educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, 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. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has fixed issues favorably and proactively. You should avoid a company with numerous negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Clay
The price of your foundation repair project can range widely based on the extent of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the average cost lands at about $2,300. More complex projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,700+. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
| Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crack Repair | $289 |
| Leak Repair | $2,221 |
| Stabilization | $3,776 |
| Underpinning | $1,111 |
| Waterproofing | $2,443 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Clay
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Clay?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
What's the most popular foundation type in Clay?
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
That said, foundation repair crews operate 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)
