Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Skokie
A home in Skokie might experience foundation issues for numerous reasons. Some are unique to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Standing water: Standing water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't cover.
- Aging plumbing: Skokie has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1957. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is vital to its structural integrity, so it's important to work with a trustworthy foundation repair provider. Assess each company using the following factors:
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 the details its representatives share. Inquire about its inspection processes, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a business will discuss how long it's been operating. It might also publish other content to assist prospective customers.
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. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a good sign if the company has fixed issues appropriately and proactively. You should stay away from a company with many negative reviews, no certifications, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Skokie
The price of foundation repair can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what's necessary to resolve them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the average cost is about $3,800. More intricate projects involving digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,200. Below are 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 Skokie
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Skokie?
What are the different types of foundations in Skokie?
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)
