Common Causes of Foundation Problems in East Orange
Foundation issues have some possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for East Orange residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall East Orange receives, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Aging plumbing: East Orange has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1956. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To select a foundation repair company, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this guide to help you navigate the process.
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 its team will draft plans and pull permits, how the company inspects foundations, and what local codes apply to your project.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a business will discuss how long it's been in the industry. It might also share other content to help potential clients.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company responds to them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has more negative reviews, and doesn't communicate properly, you should think twice about working with it.
Finally, we encourage you to search additional sites, such as Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in East Orange
The price of your foundation repair project can differ quite significantly based on the scale of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is significant deterioration, the typical cost lands at about $2,800. More involved projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $6,800+. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $336 |
Leak Repair | $2,680 |
Stabilization | $4,626 |
Underpinning | $1,290 |
Waterproofing | $2,958 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in East Orange
What will I pay to repair my foundation in East Orange?
What are the different types of foundations in East Orange?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
- Discoloration or odors
- Uneven floors
- Plumbing leaks
- Mold and mildew
- Hairline cracks
- Flooding
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)