Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Elgin
A few factors can contribute to foundation issues. These are the most widespread ones for Elgin residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may apply force that causes your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation provider doesn't have to be complicated. We encourage you to list what you want most in a contractor, then evaluate each provider on your shortlist against these characteristics.
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 its team will draft plans and pull permits, how the company inspects foundations, and what local codes apply to your project.
Contractor websites are among the best places to do your research. Typically, a business will show how long it's been in the industry. It might also publish blog posts to assist potential clients.
Customer Reviews
We recommend looking into 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 reported satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has fixed issues favorably and proactively. You should avoid a company with more negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Elgin
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the scale of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable damage, the normal cost falls at about $3,000. More complex projects requiring tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,900+. See below 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 Elgin
How much does foundation repair cost in Elgin?
Can a foundation always be fixed?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)