Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Queens
A few common reasons why Queens homeowners suffer from foundation problems include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Queens 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.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Aging plumbing: Queens has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1959. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be difficult. We encourage you to write down what you expect most in a contractor, then evaluate each provider on your shortlist against these characteristics.
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 further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, inspection processes and permit ordinances.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a company will disclose how long it's been in the industry. It might also publish other content to assist potential clients.
Customer Reviews
We advise looking into the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a high customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have reported satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. 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 properly, you should avoid working with it.
Finally, we suggest you search additional sites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Queens
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $2,000. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost will likely fall around $4,300. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or concrete leveling 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 Queens
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Queens?
What are the different types of foundations in Queens?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for signs of damage, and address any issues immediately.
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)