Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Iowa City, IA

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Iowa City

A home in Iowa City might experience foundation issues for a variety of 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.
• Aging plumbing: The average Iowa City home construction year is 1979. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
• Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
• Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't cover.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

Choosing a foundation company doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to list what you desire most in a contractor, then evaluate each provider on your selection against these characteristics.

Licensing and Experience

If an Iowa foundation company makes more than $2,000 per year, it must register with the state's Division of Labor. Registration doesn't require exams or continuing education. All it proves is that a company holds insurance and pays state taxes. However, cities in the Hawkeye State might still require licenses or practical training for foundation companies. Talk to staff to gain more insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, inspection processes and building codes.

Another way to assess a company's credibility is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share insights and knowledge through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.

Customer Reviews

When you're researching a company's reputation, go to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company handles them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has more negative reviews, and doesn't communicate well, you should avoid working with it.

Finally, we recommend you search other platforms, including Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.

Foundation Repair Cost in Iowa City

Foundation repair costs can differ significantly based on the scale of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is quite substantial deterioration, the average cost will be around $2,500. More involved jobs involving digging, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $6,700. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.