Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Camden
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the most frequent ones for Camden residents:
- Aging plumbing: Camden has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1954. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can harm your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't reach.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Camden gets, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that causes your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's integrity relies on its foundation. It's important to choose the most qualified crew possible. Center your research on these attributes:
Licensing and Experience
New Jersey requires home improvement contractors, including foundation companies, to register with the state's Division of Consumer Affairs. They're also required to apply for a home repair contractor license with the Department of Banking and Insurance, which regulates the financial business of construction work. To further understand your contractor's experience, we recommend asking questions about how the company inspects foundations, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and what local codes apply to your project.
Another way to determine a company's reputation is to check its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade accreditations. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's credibility, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Negative feedback doesn't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company addressed complaints. It's a good sign if the company has settled issues favorably and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with many negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Camden
The price of your foundation repair project can vary substantially depending on the scale of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable damage, the typical cost lands at about $3,500. More intricate projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,100+. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $406 |
Leak Repair | $3,356 |
Stabilization | $5,879 |
Underpinning | $1,553 |
Waterproofing | $3,716 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Camden
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Camden?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
- Water the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and minimizing the risk of foundation issues.
- Keep an eye on your foundation for signs of damage, and address any issues promptly.
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)