Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Riverhead
Some common reasons why Riverhead homeowners experience foundation woes include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Riverhead receives, the soil absorbs 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: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Aging plumbing: While many Riverhead homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that results in your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is vital to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a reliable foundation repair company. Assess each provider using the following criteria:
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 what its representatives say. Inquire about its inspection methods, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will disclose how long it's been operating. It might also share blog posts to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
We suggest reviewing the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a high 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. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. The BBB shows how companies handle complaints. A proactive team that aims to achieve excellent outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a contractor if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Riverhead
The price of your foundation repair project can vary substantially depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, the typical cost is about $2,900. More intricate projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900+. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $343 |
Leak Repair | $2,742 |
Stabilization | $4,740 |
Underpinning | $1,314 |
Waterproofing | $3,027 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Riverhead
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Riverhead?
What are the different types of foundations in Riverhead?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing drains and sump pumps or using sealants around a cellar. Exterior waterproofing is typically less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and creating physical barriers between your foundation and yard.
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Riverhead 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)