Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Northampton
A few common reasons why Northampton homeowners face foundation troubles include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Northampton 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 Northampton home construction year is 1976. 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.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't protect.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that leads to your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair company, you should consider what's most important to you. Use this list of qualities to help you navigate the process.
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.
Another way to assess a company's credibility 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
Before selecting a company, review 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 responds to 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 well, you should think twice about working with it.
Finally, we recommend you search additional sites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Northampton
Foundation repair costs can differ significantly based on the scale of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the typical cost will be around $3,100. More involved jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,900. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $359 |
Leak Repair | $2,899 |
Stabilization | $5,032 |
Underpinning | $1,375 |
Waterproofing | $3,204 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Northampton
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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)