9 Best Foundation Companies in Centralia, IL

On average, Centralia homeowners spend about $3,061 on foundation repair. The cost of foundation repair is based on several factors. Things like the type of repair needed, the extent of the damage, and the size of your home will all help determine the cost. The best way to determine how much a job is going to cost is to talk to a local foundation repair expert and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

Types of foundation repair include leak repair, crack repair, stabilization, underpinning, and waterproofing.

Leak repair and crack repair involve a technician coming to your home, completing an inspection, and using various measures to fix leaks or cracks. The amount you spend will vary greatly depending on the size and cause of the problem.

Stabilization reinforces bowing walls by inserting carbon fiber or steel strips. The cost will depend on the material used and how many strips are required. The cost of underpinning also varies. This process, sometimes referred to as piering or leveling, involves underpinning your foundation with concrete piers to level it; the cost is based on how many piers are needed.

If you're looking to waterproof your foundation or basement, we suggest finding a waterproofing specialist. This process may include outdoor waterproofing, indoor waterproofing, or both.

One way to protect your foundation is to make sure that it has the right amount of moisture. Avoid letting the soil around your Centralia house become too wet or too dry – make changes to your gutter system to route water away, or water your foundation if it starts to get too dry. Also make sure that you quickly identify and fix any leaking gutters or pipes.

If you have any concerns about your foundation, you can reach out to a structural engineer for an evaluation. This will run you a few hundred dollars, but the consultation can provide you with a list of potential concerns as well as more ideas to help you further protect your foundation. Lastly, if you're building a new house, be sure that you have a soil report done. This can provide information about how well the soil on your property can support a foundation, and can highlight potential future problems.

Permits are needed for most foundation repairs, but applying for one shouldn't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should obtain all the permits and other documents required in Centralia, and should be able to provide the documents and/or explain the process before starting work.

Signs that you need foundation waterproofing include hairline cracks, uneven floors, basement flooding, discoloration or odors, white powder or spots on your walls, or signs of mold, fungus, or mildew. Your contractor can tell you whether you need interior or exterior waterproofing.

Interior waterproofing can involve the installation of sump pumps and drains or the use of sealants and is generally less expensive than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing can involve applying physical barriers to basements and crawl spaces, installing exterior drains, or changing your landscaping.

Sometimes, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they fit the criteria of an improvement that will add to a home's overall market value, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses. In some cases, making capital improvements helps you qualify for tax breaks. (Speak with your Illinois tax professional for more information.) Even without these tax breaks, foundation repairs will, in most cases, positively affect the value of your home.