Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Algonquin
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. Here are the most common ones for Algonquin residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Aging plumbing: While many Algonquin homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that results in your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is crucial to its stability, so it's important to work with a reliable foundation repair contractor. Assess each firm using the following factors:
Licensing and Experience
Illinois doesn't issue contractor licenses at the state level, but larger cities in the Land of Lincoln will usually have their own licensing requirements and exams. We recommend contacting your local government office for more information before you begin your company search. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how the company inspects foundations, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and what local codes apply to your project.
One of the simplest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the accreditations its team holds. Many leading companies publish educational content for future 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 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 manages 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 properly, you should avoid working with it.
Lastly, we suggest you search additional sites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Algonquin
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, the typical cost is about $3,100. More complex projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,900. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $360 |
Leak Repair | $2,907 |
Stabilization | $5,047 |
Underpinning | $1,378 |
Waterproofing | $3,213 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Algonquin
How much does foundation repair cost in Algonquin?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to avoid 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 angle away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing 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)