Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Henrietta
A home in Henrietta might experience foundation issues for a variety of reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Aging plumbing: The average Henrietta home construction year is 1972. 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.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that results in your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity weighs heavily on its foundation. It's vital to select 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 how the company inspects foundations, what local codes apply to your project, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Usually, a business will disclose how long it's been in the industry. It might also publish other content to assist prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We recommend reviewing the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a good 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. 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 settled issues appropriately and proactively. You should stay away from a company with many negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Henrietta
The price of your foundation repair project can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable damage, the typical cost is about $3,200. More complex projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,000+. Below are 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 Henrietta
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Henrietta?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a cellar. Outdoor waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and establishing physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
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)