Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Toms River
A few typical reasons why Toms River homeowners suffer from foundation problems include:
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't performed properly could result in your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: The average Toms River home construction year is 1976. 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.
- Soil composition: Soil with large clay or sand concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Toms River receives, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction stresses nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can enter a home's foundation through crevices, and may create stress that leads to your foundation breaking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity weighs heavily on its foundation. It's essential to choose the most qualified crew possible. Focus your research on these features:
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 how the company inspects foundations, what local codes apply to your project, and how its team will draft plans and pull permits.
One of the easiest ways to assess a company's reputation is to go to its website. Look for the company's history and the accreditations its team holds. Many prominent companies offer educational content for future customers.
Customer Reviews
Before signing a contract with a company, review its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both complaints and positive reviews. Remember that complaints don't necessarily mean a contractor is unqualified. The BBB shows how companies address complaints. A responsive team that works toward excellent outcomes is a good one. Don't work with a contractor if you don't see good communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Toms River
Foundation repair costs can differ significantly based on the extent of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling issues, you may pay as little as $2,000. However, if there is quite substantial deterioration, the typical cost will be around $4,500. More involved jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or extensive concrete leveling could run you $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 Toms River
How much does foundation repair cost in Toms River?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
What preventive measures can I take to avoid foundation issues?
- Make sure your home's gutters and downspouts are in good condition and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation evenly, especially during dry spells, to prevent shrinking and expansion.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, promoting water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and address any issues promptly.
Are there telltale signs I should avoid a particular foundation company?
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)