Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Evanston
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for Evanston residents:
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: Evanston has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1949. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage 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 encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair contractor, 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. Talk to representatives to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, building codes and inspection processes.
Another way to assess a company's credibility is to look at its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
We advise checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a high customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have shared 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 good sign if the company has fixed issues proactively and appropriately. You should avoid a company with many negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Evanston
The price of foundation repair can differ quite significantly depending on the degree of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is substantial damage, the normal cost falls at about $3,800. More complex projects involving tunneling, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,200. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $431 |
Leak Repair | $3,591 |
Stabilization | $6,315 |
Underpinning | $1,645 |
Waterproofing | $3,980 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Evanston
How much does foundation repair cost in Evanston?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)