Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Harlem, IL

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Harlem

A few factors can lead to foundation issues. These are the most common ones for Harlem residents:

• Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
• Aging plumbing: While many Harlem homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
• Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

To choose 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 what its representatives say. Ask about its inspection processes, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.

Another way to gauge a company's reputation is to examine 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, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB reviews also show how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that works toward excellent outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a contractor if you don't see good communication about problems.

Foundation Repair Cost in Harlem

The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost will likely fall around $3,100. More complex jobs involving digging, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,900 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.