7 Best Foundation Companies in Charleston, IL

On average, Charleston homeowners spend around $3,060 on foundation repair. The total cost of foundation repair depends on a number of factors. Things like the size of your home, the extent of the damage, and the type of repair needed will all factor in. The best way to find out how much a job might cost is to reach out to a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

The primary types of foundation repair are crack repair, leak repair, underpinning, stabilization, and waterproofing.

Crack repair and leak repair are exactly as they sound: your foundation contractor will perform an inspection and take necessary measures to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will depend on the size and cause of the problem.

Underpinning, also called piering or leveling, is when a contractor levels your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The amount you can expect to spend depends on how many piers are required. The price of stabilization varies similarly. This process reinforces bowing walls with steel or carbon fiber strips, and the cost will depend on the material and how many strips are used.

Lastly, waterproofing is an overarching term for a number of jobs designed to stop water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can involve exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and the price can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you think your foundation needs waterproofing.

When building a new house, make sure that a soil report is completed. This report contains information about how well the soil on a given piece of land can support a foundation, and can offer you a heads-up about any potential future problems. If your concerns are about an existing house, for a few hundred dollars, you can get an inspection and report by a structural engineer. They can alert you to any things that need attention, and give you advice on avoiding future problems.

You also want to make sure that the moisture around your foundation is appropriate. Don't let the soil around your Charleston home get too dry or too wet; at different times, you might find yourself having to reroute your gutters or water your foundation. Also, be on the lookout for leaky pipes or gutters, so you can get them repaired quickly.

Foundation repair usually requires a permit, but getting one shouldn't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair provider should get all the permits and other documents required in Charleston, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents if asked.

You should talk to your foundation repair company about this question before beginning any project. Typically, yes, you and your family will be able to remain at home while foundation work is being done.

In some cases, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they fit the criteria of an improvement that adds to a home's overall value, prolongs its life, or adapts it to new uses. Making capital improvements sometimes allows you to qualify for tax breaks. (Talk to your Illinois tax professional for the most accurate information.) Even without these tax breaks, foundation repairs will generally have a positive effect on the value of your home.