Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Providence
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. Here are the most common ones for Providence residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Providence receives, 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 stay dry.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't cover.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing 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 essential to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a reliable foundation repair contractor. Evaluate each company using the following criteria:
Licensing and Experience
Rhode Island requires foundation and concrete contractors to register with the State Building Office. To register, a company owner must prove they have minimum liability coverage, submit business filings, and take a five-hour course. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through what its representatives say. Inquire about its inspection methods, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Usually, a business will discuss how long it's been operating. It might also publish articles to assist prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We advise checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have reported satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has fixed issues favorably and proactively. You should avoid a company with more negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Providence
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is more significant damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,600. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,800 or more. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $317 |
Leak Repair | $2,496 |
Stabilization | $4,286 |
Underpinning | $1,218 |
Waterproofing | $2,752 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Foundation Repair Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Providence
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Providence?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
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)