Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Lakewood
A few common reasons why Lakewood homeowners suffer from foundation problems include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Lakewood experiences, 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 stay dry.
- Aging plumbing: While many Lakewood homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can threaten your foundation's integrity, especially when it collects in areas your gutter system doesn't cover.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't done properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can encroach on a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
To select a foundation repair business, you should think about what's most important to you. Use this list of qualities 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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the information its team gives you. Inquire about its inspection processes, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Usually, a business will show how long it's been in business. It might also upload blog posts to help prospective customers.
Customer Reviews
We suggest checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have shared satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints don't mean a contractor is bad news. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a positive sign if the company has resolved issues favorably and proactively. You should avoid a company with many negative reviews, no credentials, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Lakewood
The price of your foundation repair project can range widely based on the scale of the issues and what needs to be fixed. For minor foundation fissures and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $2,000. However, if there is substantial deterioration, the typical cost lands at about $4,500. More intricate projects requiring excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,400+. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $505 |
Leak Repair | $4,307 |
Stabilization | $7,642 |
Underpinning | $1,925 |
Waterproofing | $4,783 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Lakewood
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Lakewood?
What are some signs I need foundation waterproofing?
- Discoloration or odors
- Flooding
- Mold and mildew
- Uneven floors
- Hairline cracks
- Plumbing leaks
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
Are there any warranties or guarantees provided with Lakewood foundation repair services?
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)