Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Sammamish
A home in Sammamish might experience foundation issues for a variety of reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Sammamish gets, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Aging plumbing: While many Sammamish homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't reach.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that results in your foundation cracking, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be complicated. We encourage you to list what you expect most in a provider, then evaluate each contractor on your selection against these characteristics.
Licensing and Experience
Washington foundation repair companies can be either general or specialty contractors. Look for companies with a concrete certification, showing that they follow best practices in the foundation field. 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.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Usually, a business will disclose how long it's been in business. It might also share other content to help interested parties.
Customer Reviews
We suggest looking into the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a high customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company handles them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has more negative reviews, and doesn't communicate effectively, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we encourage you to search additional sites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Sammamish
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is more significant deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $3,000. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900 or more. 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 |
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 Sammamish
How much does foundation repair cost in Sammamish?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a basement. Exterior waterproofing is usually 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?
- 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 evenly, 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 reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues immediately.
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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)