Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Dale City
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. Here are the most common ones for Dale City residents:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't reach.
- Aging plumbing: While many Dale City homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that causes your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair contractor, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this list of factors to help you navigate the process.
Licensing and Experience
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation issues licenses to foundation repair companies. The license a company has determines what work it can do and what size projects it can handle. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about what local codes apply to your project, how the company inspects foundations, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
Another way to gauge a company's credibility is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. The BBB shows how companies address complaints. A responsive team that strives for excellent outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a company if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Dale City
The cost of foundation repair can vary substantially based on the degree of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant damage, the typical cost will be around $3,600. More intricate jobs involving digging, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $7,100. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $413 |
Leak Repair | $3,418 |
Stabilization | $5,994 |
Underpinning | $1,578 |
Waterproofing | $3,786 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Dale City
How much does foundation repair cost in Dale City?
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 drains and sump pumps or using sealants around a crawlspace. Exterior waterproofing is typically less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and establishing physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for signs of damage, and address any issues immediately.
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)