Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Howell, NJ

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Howell

A few factors can lead to foundation issues. These are the most widespread ones for Howell residents:

• Aging plumbing: While many Howell 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 Howell 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's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't reach.
• Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that results in your foundation breaking, pipes being damaged, and overall structural weakening.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

To select a foundation repair business, you should determine what's most important to you. Use this list of criteria to help you go through 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 what local codes apply to your project, how its team will draft plans and pull permits, and how the company inspects foundations.

Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a business will discuss how long it's been in business. It might also share articles to help potential clients.

Customer Reviews

Before committing to a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. BBB comments also show how companies resolve complaints. A proactive team that works toward amicable outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a contractor if you don't see clear communication about problems.

Foundation Repair Cost in Howell

The cost of foundation repair can range widely depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to fix them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable damage, the average cost will likely fall around $3,500. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $7,100 or more. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.