Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Colonie
A home in Colonie might experience foundation issues for multiple reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: Colonie has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1961. 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.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that causes your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to jot down what you desire most in a company, then evaluate each contractor on your shortlist against 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 additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local inspection processes, permit ordinances and building codes.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a business will display how long it's been in the industry. It might also publish articles to assist interested parties.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a good sign if the company has resolved issues appropriately and proactively. You should avoid a company with more negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Colonie
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is more significant deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $3,200. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking 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 Colonie
How much does foundation repair cost in Colonie?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Colonie foundation repair services?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews operate industrial machinery, 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)