Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Des Plaines
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. Here are the most widespread ones for Des Plaines residents:
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Aging plumbing: The average Des Plaines home construction year is 1968. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that causes your foundation fracturing, pipes rupturing, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to jot down what you desire most in a provider, then evaluate each provider on your shortlist against these attributes.
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, inspection processes and permit ordinances.
Another way to evaluate a company's standing is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade qualifications. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company manages them. If the management team proactively and consistently 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 think twice about working with it.
Finally, we encourage you to search different websites, like Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Des Plaines
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially based on the extent of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the typical cost lands at about $3,000. More intricate projects requiring tunneling, 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 | $357 |
Leak Repair | $2,881 |
Stabilization | $4,999 |
Underpinning | $1,368 |
Waterproofing | $3,184 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Des Plaines
How much does foundation repair cost in Des Plaines?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
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)