Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Crystal Lake
A home in Crystal Lake might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are widespread nationwide. They include:
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Aging plumbing: While many Crystal Lake 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.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that causes your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To select a foundation repair business, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you go through the process.
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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Inquire about its inspection processes, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
One of the simplest ways to assess a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for the company's history and what credentials its team holds. Many leading companies provide educational content for prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's reputation, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. Instead, discover how a company responds to them. If the management team consistently and proactively resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, shows more negative reviews than positive ones, and doesn't communicate well, you should avoid working with it.
Lastly, we recommend you search different websites, including Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Crystal Lake
The price of your foundation repair project can differ quite significantly depending on the scale of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant damage, the normal cost lands at about $3,100. More intricate projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $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 Crystal Lake
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Crystal Lake?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure 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 reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues promptly.
Do I need to leave my home for foundation repair work?
That said, foundation repair crews use heavy equipment, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or tremors. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
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)