Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Galloway
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for Galloway residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Galloway experiences, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction presses against nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Standing water: Pooling water around your home can be a menace to your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your drainage system doesn't cover.
- Aging plumbing: The average Galloway home construction year is 1977. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation repair company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each company on your list about the following qualities.
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 what local codes apply to your project, how the company inspects foundations, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
One of the best ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to explore its website. Look for the company's history and the qualifications its team holds. Many well-known companies provide educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
Before committing to a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews 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 consistently and proactively 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.
Lastly, we encourage you to search other platforms, including Trustpilot and Google, for additional feedback.
Foundation Repair Cost in Galloway
The price of your foundation repair project can differ quite significantly based on the scale of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation cracking and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the average cost is about $3,500. More complex projects requiring digging, 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 Galloway
How much does foundation repair cost in Galloway?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a basement. Exterior waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and forming physical barriers between your foundation and lawn.
What's the time to complete a typical foundation repair job?
Will my homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
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)