Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Bethlehem, PA

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Bethlehem

A few factors can lead to foundation issues. These are the most common ones for Bethlehem residents:

• Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Bethlehem experiences, 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.
• Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't cover.
• Aging plumbing: Bethlehem has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1966. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
• Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

When choosing a foundation contractor, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each provider on your list about the following qualities.

Licensing and Experience

According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General, foundation contractors must register with the commonwealth if they make between $5,000 and $50 million in annual revenue. Registration doesn't involve exams, but it does show a contractor meets bond, insurance, and background check requirements. Talk to team members to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, building codes and inspection processes.

Another way to evaluate a company's standing is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.

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 positive experiences and complaints. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. The BBB shows how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that works toward positive outcomes is a good one. Avoid a company if you don't see good communication about problems.

Foundation Repair Cost in Bethlehem

The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,300. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,700 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.