Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Albany
Foundation issues have some possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for Albany residents:
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Albany experiences, 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 keep dry.
- Aging plumbing: The average Albany home construction year is 1978. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
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 trustworthy foundation repair contractor. Evaluate each firm using the following factors:
Licensing and Experience
Oregon foundation repair companies need either a Residential General Contractor or Residential Specialty Contractor license from the state Construction Contractors Board. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Inquire about its inspection processes, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Usually, a company will display how long it's been operating. It might also upload blog posts to assist interested parties.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, 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, shows more negative reviews than positive ones, and doesn't communicate well, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we suggest you search different websites, like Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Albany
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,800. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $331 |
Leak Repair | $2,626 |
Stabilization | $4,526 |
Underpinning | $1,269 |
Waterproofing | $2,897 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Albany
How much does foundation repair cost in Albany?
What are the different types of foundations in Albany?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a crawlspace. Exterior waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and forming physical barriers between your foundation and yard.
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)