Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Elmont
Foundation issues have a few possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for Elmont residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Elmont 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.
- Aging plumbing: Elmont has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1948. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't protect.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity depends greatly on its foundation. It's important to hire the top professionals possible. Center 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 how its team will draft plans and pull permits, what local codes apply to your project, and how the company inspects foundations.
Another way to gauge a company's credibility is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade qualifications. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. 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.
Lastly, we recommend you search different websites, including Trustpilot and Google, for more opinions.
Foundation Repair Cost in Elmont
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling issues, you may pay as little as $2,000. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the typical cost falls at about $4,300. More involved projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,300. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $481 |
Leak Repair | $4,080 |
Stabilization | $7,221 |
Underpinning | $1,836 |
Waterproofing | $4,528 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Elmont
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What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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)