Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Batavia
A home in Batavia might experience foundation issues for multiple reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be menacing to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't cover.
- Aging plumbing: While many Batavia 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.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that causes your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity depends greatly on its foundation. It's important to choose the best team possible. Focus your research on these qualities:
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. Talk to team members to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, permit ordinances and inspection processes.
One of the best ways to assess a company's reputation is to visit its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the qualifications its team holds. Many prominent companies publish educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, check out its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has settled issues favorably and proactively. You should avoid a company with numerous negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Batavia
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the degree of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable damage, the normal cost lands at about $3,400. More complex projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,000. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $393 |
Leak Repair | $3,226 |
Stabilization | $5,639 |
Underpinning | $1,503 |
Waterproofing | $3,571 |
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 Batavia
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Batavia?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
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 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 slope away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Inspect your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues promptly.
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)