Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Virginia Beach
A home in Virginia Beach might experience foundation issues for a variety of reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done to standard could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many Virginia Beach 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.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Virginia Beach receives, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that causes your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be complicated. We encourage you to list what you want most in a company, then evaluate each contractor on your shortlist against these 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. Talk to team members to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, inspection processes and permit ordinances.
Another way to gauge a company's standing is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
We suggest examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can check 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 responds to them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has more negative reviews, and doesn't communicate properly, you should avoid working with it.
Lastly, we encourage you to search other platforms, including Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Virginia Beach
Foundation repair costs can vary substantially based on the scale of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is quite substantial damage, the typical cost will be around $2,100. More intricate jobs involving digging, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,600. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $267 |
Leak Repair | $2,014 |
Stabilization | $3,391 |
Underpinning | $1,030 |
Waterproofing | $2,210 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Virginia Beach
How much does foundation repair cost in Virginia Beach?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
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)