11 Best Foundation Companies in Evanston, IL

On average, Evanston homeowners pay roughly $3,786 for foundation repair, although the cost will vary widely depending on several factors. The best way to estimate the cost of your specific project is to request quotes from a handful of local foundation repair companies. The amount you pay for a job will be determined by things like the size of your house and type of repair(s) needed.

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

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

Underpinning, also called leveling or piering, 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 is also variable. This process fixes bowing walls by reinforcing them with steel or carbon fiber strips, and the cost will depend on the material chosen and how many strips are used.

Finally, waterproofing is an overarching term for a category of repairs intended to stop water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can involve exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're planning to waterproof your foundation.

If you're constructing a new house, have a soil report completed. A soil report will contain information about how well the soil on a given piece of land can support a foundation, and can give you a heads-up about potential future issues. If your concerns are about an existing home, a few hundred dollars will cover an inspection and report by a structural engineer. They can point you to any current problems that could use some attention, and give you advice on avoiding future problems.

Also ensure that the moisture around your foundation is appropriate. Don't let the soil around your Evanston home get too dry or too wet; at different times, you might find yourself having to reroute your gutters or water your foundation. You should also stay vigilant for leaky pipes or gutters and repair them quickly.

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

Generally, foundation repairs will positively affect the value of your home. In some cases, you may be able to consider foundation repair a capital improvement, which might qualify you for tax breaks. Generally, a capital improvement is defined as one that will add to your house's overall value, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses. Talk to your Illinois tax professional to learn more.

Foundation repair, especially extensive repairs like basement waterproofing, should last a long time. This is particularly true when you choose a reliable company. When you solve systemic issues with your foundation, or reinforce critical areas, you lower the risk of future problems.