Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Harrisburg
A few typical reasons why Harrisburg homeowners face foundation woes include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Harrisburg experiences, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Aging plumbing: Harrisburg has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1964. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation provider doesn't have to be difficult. We encourage you to write down what you desire most in a provider, then evaluate each contractor on your shortlist against these 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. 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 easiest ways to assess a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for the company's years in business and what credentials its team holds. Many top companies publish educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We suggest checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have shared satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB comments also show how companies resolve complaints. A responsive team that aims to achieve excellent outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a business if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Harrisburg
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the degree of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the typical cost lands at about $2,800. More complex projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,800. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $336 |
Leak Repair | $2,674 |
Stabilization | $4,615 |
Underpinning | $1,287 |
Waterproofing | $2,951 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Harrisburg
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Harrisburg?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
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 basement. Exterior waterproofing is typically 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)