Best 5 Foundation Repair Companies in Montclair, NJ

Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Montclair

Some typical reasons why Montclair homeowners deal with foundation troubles include:

• Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil freezes rapidly and lower layers can't expand, pushing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
• Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Montclair gets, 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 keep dry.
• Standing water: Water accumulation around your home can threaten your foundation, especially when it collects in areas your gutters don't cover.
• Aging plumbing: The average Montclair home construction year is 1975. If you live in an older home, it's likely to have cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may exert pressure that results in your foundation fracturing, pipes leaking, and overall structural weakening.

How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company

When choosing a foundation contractor, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each provider 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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the details its representatives share. Ask about its inspection methods, local code requirements, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.

One of the best ways to assess a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for how long the company has operated and the qualifications its team holds. Many well-known companies provide educational content for potential customers.

Customer Reviews

When you're researching a company's credibility, head to its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. There, you can find its "letter grade" rating and a list of customer reviews, both complaints and positive experiences. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB comments also show how companies handle complaints. A proactive team that strives for excellent outcomes is a good one. Steer clear of a business if you don't see effective communication about problems.

Foundation Repair Cost in Montclair

The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly depending on the extent of the issues and what needs to be done to resolve them. For minor foundation fissures and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the average cost will likely fall around $2,800. More complex jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,800 or more. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.