Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Normal
Some typical reasons why Normal homeowners experience foundation issues include:
- Aging plumbing: The average Normal home construction year is 1978. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be menacing to your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't protect.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation provider doesn't have to be difficult. We encourage you to write down what you expect most in a contractor, then evaluate each provider on your list 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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through what its representatives say. Ask about its inspection processes, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
One of the easiest ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to explore its website. Look for the company's history and the qualifications its team holds. Many top companies offer educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB comments also show how companies resolve complaints. A responsive team that works toward excellent outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a company if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Normal
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the scale of the issues and what's required to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the normal cost falls at about $2,400. More involved projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $6,700. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $291 |
Leak Repair | $2,245 |
Stabilization | $3,820 |
Underpinning | $1,120 |
Waterproofing | $2,470 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Normal
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Normal?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing drains and sump pumps or using sealants around a cellar. Exterior waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and establishing physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
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 avoid water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for signs of damage, and fix any issues immediately.
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)