Common Causes of Foundation Problems in DeKalb
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. These are the most widespread ones for DeKalb residents:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't completed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average DeKalb home construction year is 1978. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, 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.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through crevices, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural deterioration.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To choose a foundation repair contractor, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this list of qualities 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. Talk to representatives to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local permit ordinances, building codes and inspection processes.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a business will mention how long it's been operating. It might also upload blog posts to assist potential clients.
Customer Reviews
We recommend examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. 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, shows more negative reviews than positive ones, and doesn't communicate properly, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we suggest you search different websites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in DeKalb
The price of your foundation repair project can vary substantially depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fracturing and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant damage, the average cost falls at about $3,200. More involved projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,000+. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $373 |
Leak Repair | $3,035 |
Stabilization | $5,284 |
Underpinning | $1,428 |
Waterproofing | $3,356 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in DeKalb
What will I pay to repair my foundation in DeKalb?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to slope away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for cracks, and fix any issues immediately.
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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)