Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Burlington
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the top ones for Burlington residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Burlington receives, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many Burlington homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is vital to its stability, so it's important to work with a quality foundation repair provider. Evaluate each firm using the following criteria:
Licensing and Experience
According to the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors, foundation repair and concrete companies in the state must have either a Building Contractor license, a Residential Contractor license, or both. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Ask about its inspection methods, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will show how long it's been in business. It might also share blog posts to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
Before selecting a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Complaints don't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a good sign if the company has resolved issues favorably and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with more negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Burlington
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the scale of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant deterioration, the typical cost falls at about $3,400. More complex projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,000. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $390 |
Leak Repair | $3,200 |
Stabilization | $5,591 |
Underpinning | $1,493 |
Waterproofing | $3,542 |
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 Burlington
How much does foundation repair cost in Burlington?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews use industrial machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or vibrations. 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)