Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Lancaster
A home in Lancaster might experience foundation issues for multiple reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average Lancaster home construction year is 1970. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have 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 intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that results in your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's stability weighs heavily on its foundation. It's essential to choose the best team possible. Center your research on these characteristics:
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 the company inspects foundations, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and what local codes apply to your project.
One of the best ways to assess a company's reputation is to visit its website. Look for the company's years in business and the accreditations its team holds. Many top companies publish educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company handles them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate effectively, you should avoid working with it.
Finally, we recommend you search additional sites, including Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Lancaster
The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation fractures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is more significant damage, the average cost will likely fall around $3,200. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,000 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $378 |
Leak Repair | $3,085 |
Stabilization | $5,376 |
Underpinning | $1,448 |
Waterproofing | $3,412 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Lancaster
How much does foundation repair cost in Lancaster?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Mold and mildew
- Flooding
- Discoloration or odors
- Uneven floors
- Hairline cracks
- Plumbing leaks
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues promptly.
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)