Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Freehold
Some frequent reasons why Freehold homeowners encounter foundation troubles include:
- Aging plumbing: While many Freehold homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Freehold gets, the soil soaks up moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can harm your foundation's integrity, especially when it gathers in areas your gutters don't protect.
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plummet, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's foundation is essential to its stability, so it's important to work with a reliable foundation repair contractor. Evaluate each firm using the following criteria:
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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Inquire about its inspection processes, local codes, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Another way to gauge a company's reputation is to examine its website. There, you can learn how long it's been in business and its trade credentials. It might also share knowledge and insights through blog posts, podcasts, or videos.
Customer Reviews
When you're researching a company's standing, check out its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its rating and a list of customer reviews, both positive experiences and complaints. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB comments also show how companies handle complaints. A responsive team that aims to achieve amicable outcomes is a good one. Avoid a business if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Freehold
Foundation repair costs can vary substantially based on the extent of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling problems, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is quite substantial damage, the typical cost will be around $3,500. More intricate jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $7,100. See below 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 Freehold
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Freehold?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews use industrial machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or vibrations. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
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)