Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Decatur
A few typical reasons why Decatur homeowners encounter foundation troubles include:
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't cover.
- Aging plumbing: Decatur has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1966. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that causes your foundation cracking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation contractor, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each provider on your list about the following qualities.
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. Ask about its inspection processes, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
One of the easiest ways to assess a company's reputation is to browse its website. Look for the company's history and what credentials its team holds. Many top companies publish educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
We advise checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have shared satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB comments also show how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that works toward amicable outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a business if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Decatur
Foundation repair costs can vary substantially based on the degree 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 significant destruction, the typical cost will be around $3,100. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,900. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $360 |
Leak Repair | $2,907 |
Stabilization | $5,047 |
Underpinning | $1,378 |
Waterproofing | $3,213 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Decatur
How much does foundation repair cost in Decatur?
What's the most popular foundation type in Decatur?
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 crawlspace. Exterior waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and creating physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)