Common Causes of Foundation Problems in McLean
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most widespread ones for McLean residents:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average McLean home construction year is 1973. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that causes your foundation breaking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity relies on its foundation. It's vital to select the top professionals possible. Focus your research on these characteristics:
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 how its team will draft plans and pull permits, how the company inspects foundations, and what local codes apply to your project.
Another way to determine a company's standing 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
Before selecting a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB reviews also show how companies address complaints. A proactive team that works toward excellent outcomes is a good one. Avoid a business if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in McLean
Foundation repair costs can differ significantly based on the extent of the problems and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is quite substantial deterioration, the typical cost will be around $2,700. More intricate jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,800. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
| Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crack Repair | $328 |
| Leak Repair | $2,600 |
| Stabilization | $4,478 |
| Underpinning | $1,259 |
| Waterproofing | $2,868 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in McLean
How much does foundation repair cost in McLean?
What's the most popular foundation type in McLean?
Do McLean foundation repair companies offer warranties or guarantees?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for cracks, and repair 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)
