Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Tonawanda
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most widespread ones for Tonawanda residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can be a menace to your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't cover.
- Aging plumbing: Tonawanda has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1957. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could result in your foundation settling.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each company on your list about the following 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 its team will draft plans and pull permits, how the company inspects foundations, and what local codes apply to your project.
One of the most effective ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to browse its website. Look for the company's years in business and what credentials its team holds. Many leading companies provide educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, visit its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. 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 fixed issues proactively and appropriately. You should stay away from a company with many negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Tonawanda
Foundation repair costs can vary substantially based on the extent of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the average cost will be around $3,000. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,900. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $353 |
Leak Repair | $2,841 |
Stabilization | $4,925 |
Underpinning | $1,353 |
Waterproofing | $3,139 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Tonawanda
How much does foundation repair cost in Tonawanda?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
Do Tonawanda foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews operate heavy machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or tremors. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
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)