Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Ossining
A home in Ossining might experience foundation issues for a variety of reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Aging plumbing: The average Ossining home construction year is 1967. 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.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Ossining 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.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that results in your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be difficult. We encourage you to write down what you expect most in a provider, then evaluate each provider on your shortlist against 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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Inquire 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 company will disclose how long it's been operating. It might also upload blog posts to help potential clients.
Customer Reviews
We suggest looking into the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have expressed 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 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.
Finally, we suggest you search other platforms, like Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Ossining
Foundation repair costs can differ significantly based on the degree of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable damage, the normal cost will be around $3,500. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $7,100. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $399 |
Leak Repair | $3,288 |
Stabilization | $5,753 |
Underpinning | $1,527 |
Waterproofing | $3,640 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Foundation Repair Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Ossining
How much does foundation repair cost in Ossining?
What's the most popular foundation type in Ossining?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Mold and mildew
- Discoloration or odors
- Flooding
- Uneven floors
- Plumbing leaks
- Hairline cracks
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Ossining foundation repair services?
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)