11 Best Foundation Companies in River Forest, IL

On average, River Forest homeowners spend roughly $3,786 on foundation repair. The cost of foundation repair depends on a number of factors. Things like the extent of the damage, the type of repair needed, and the size of your home will all play a part. The best way to find out how much a job could cost is to contact a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

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

Crack repair and leak repair are exactly as they sound: your foundation repair expert will perform an inspection and complete any repairs necessary to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will vary depending on the size and cause of the issue.

Underpinning, also called piering or leveling, is when a contractor levels your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The price will be based on how many piers are needed. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process reinforces bowing walls 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 number of jobs intended to stop water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can involve exterior waterproofing, interior 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 house, make sure that a soil report is completed. A soil report will contain information regarding how well your soil can support a foundation, and can give you a heads-up about any potential future issues. If you have concerns about an existing home, a few hundred dollars will cover an inspection and report by a structural engineer. They can point you to any things that could use some 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 River Forest 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 gutters or pipes, so you can get them repaired promptly.

Your foundation repair expert should be the one obtaining the permits. You can ask the company to provide a detailed explanation of the steps in its process and to see the paperwork and permits it has acquired to make sure everything is properly authorized per River Forest regulations.

Some indicators that your foundation needs waterproofing include uneven floors, basement flooding, white powder or spots on your walls, hairline cracks, discoloration or odors, or signs of fungus, mold, or mildew. Your contractor can inform 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 costly than exterior waterproofing. Exterior waterproofing can involve applying physical barriers to basements and crawl spaces, making landscape changes, or installing exterior drains.

You may be able to take care of small hairline cracks on your own, but in most cases, you should consult a professional before you start any sort of foundation work. While you may not want to pay someone for work you feel like you can handle yourself, mistakes made during foundation repair can be even more costly down the line.