11 Best Foundation Companies in Harlem, IL

On average, Harlem homeowners spend around $3,060 on foundation repair. The amount you'll spend on foundation repair depends on a number of factors. Things like the type of repair needed, the extent of the damage, and the size of your home will all factor in. The fastest way to determine how much a job might cost is to contact a local foundation repair expert and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

The main types of foundation repair include 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 complete any repairs necessary to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will depend on the size and cause of the issue.

Underpinning, also called leveling or piering, is when a contractor levels your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The cost will depend on how many piers are used. The price of stabilization varies similarly. This process involves fixing bowing walls by reinforcing them with carbon fiber or steel strips, and the cost will depend on the material chosen and how many strips are used.

Finally, waterproofing is an overarching term for a number of jobs designed to prevent water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can involve interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, or both, and the price can vary widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're planning to waterproof your foundation.

When constructing a new home, have a soil report completed. This report contains information regarding how well your soil can support a foundation, and can offer you a heads-up about any potential future issues. If you have concerns about an existing home, for a few hundred dollars, you can get an inspection and report by a structural engineer. They can point you to any current problems that need attention, and give you advice on how to avoid future problems.

Also ensure that the moisture around your foundation is at an appropriate level. Don't let the soil around your Harlem 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.

Your foundation repair provider should be the one to get the permits. You can ask the company to provide a detailed explanation of the steps in its process and to see the permits and paperwork it has assembled to confirm everything is properly authorized per Harlem regulations.

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

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

It's smart to talk to your foundation repair company about your concerns before committing to any project. In most cases, yes, you'll be able to remain in your home while foundation work is being done.