Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Clifton Park
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. These are the most widespread ones for Clifton Park residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Clifton Park receives, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average Clifton Park home construction year is 1981. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have 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 threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't cover.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's stability weighs heavily on its foundation. It's crucial to select the top professionals possible. Center your research on 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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the details its representatives share. Ask about its inspection methods, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Usually, a foundation company will discuss how long it's been operating. It might also upload other content to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
We advise checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have reported satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company responds to 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 effectively, you should avoid working with it.
Finally, we suggest you search different websites, like Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Clifton Park
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost will likely fall around $3,200. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $7,000 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $370 |
Leak Repair | $3,009 |
Stabilization | $5,236 |
Underpinning | $1,418 |
Waterproofing | $3,327 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Clifton Park
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Clifton Park?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Plumbing leaks
- Discoloration or odors
- Mold and mildew
- Hairline cracks
- Uneven floors
- Flooding
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews use industrial machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or tremors. 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)