Common Causes of Foundation Problems in North Hempstead
Foundation issues have some possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for North Hempstead residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall North Hempstead experiences, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To pick a foundation repair company, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this list of qualities to help you steer the process.
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 what local codes apply to your project, how the company inspects foundations, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a business will mention how long it's been operating. It might also share articles to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, check out its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company manages 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 think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we suggest you search different websites, like Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in North Hempstead
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $2,000. However, if there is more significant deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $4,300. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,300 or more. See below 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 North Hempstead
How much does foundation repair cost in North Hempstead?
What's the most popular foundation type in North Hempstead?
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 crawlspace. Exterior waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and forming physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
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)