Common Causes of Foundation Problems in White Plains
Foundation issues have a few possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for White Plains residents:
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, 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 White Plains gets, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress 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 challenging. We encourage you to write down what you expect most in a provider, then evaluate each provider on your selection against these attributes.
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.
One of the simplest ways to assess a company's reputation is to visit its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the accreditations its team holds. Many leading companies offer educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, check out 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. 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 avoid working with it.
Finally, we suggest you search other platforms, like Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in White Plains
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the typical cost is about $3,500. More intricate projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in White Plains
What will I pay to repair my foundation in White Plains?
What's the most popular foundation type in White Plains?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
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 generally less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and establishing physical barriers between your foundation and yard.
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)