11 Best Foundation Companies in Wheeling, IL

On average, Wheeling homeowners spend roughly $3,786 on foundation repair. The amount you'll spend on foundation repair is based on a number of factors. Things like the size of your home, the type of repair needed, and the extent of the damage will all factor in. The easiest 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 main 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. Costs will vary based on the size and cause of the problem.

Underpinning, also called piering or leveling, is the process of leveling your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The amount you can expect to spend depends on how many piers are needed. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process involves fixing bowing walls by reinforcing them with steel or carbon fiber strips. The cost will depend on the material and how many strips are used.

Finally, waterproofing is an overarching term for a category of repairs designed to prevent water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can include exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and costs can vary widely. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

When 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 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. The engineer can point you to any issues 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 Wheeling 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 gutters or pipes, so you can get them repaired quickly.

A permit is normally required for foundation repair, but getting one shouldn't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair professional should put together the permit and all other documents required in Wheeling, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents before starting work.

In some cases, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they fit the criteria of an improvement that adds to your house's overall value, prolongs its life, or adapts it to new uses. In some cases, making capital improvements lets you qualify for tax breaks. (Contact your Illinois tax professional for the most accurate information.) This aside, foundation repairs will, in most cases, positively affect your home's value.

The length of time foundation repairs will take varies greatly based on the kind of repair required and the size of your house. Most repairs will take anywhere from one to several weeks. Talk to your Wheeling foundation repair company for a more specific timeline for your project.