Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Lynchburg
A home in Lynchburg might experience foundation issues for a variety of reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are common nationwide. They include:
- Aging plumbing: The average Lynchburg home construction year is 1974. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Lynchburg experiences, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that causes your foundation breaking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each contractor on your list about the following qualities.
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 its team will draft plans and pull permits, and how the company inspects foundations.
One of the simplest ways to assess a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for the company's history and what credentials its team holds. Many leading companies provide educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We recommend checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a good 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. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB reviews also show how companies address complaints. A responsive team that aims to achieve excellent outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a contractor if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Lynchburg
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly based on the extent of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant destruction, the average cost will be around $3,000. More intricate jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,900. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $358 |
Leak Repair | $2,889 |
Stabilization | $5,014 |
Underpinning | $1,371 |
Waterproofing | $3,193 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Lynchburg
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Lynchburg?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
What are the different types of foundations in Lynchburg?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Plumbing leaks
- Mold and mildew
- Discoloration or odors
- Uneven floors
- Flooding
- Hairline cracks
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)