Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Trenton
A few factors can lead to foundation issues. These are the most prevalent ones for Trenton residents:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Trenton receives, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations stay dry.
- Aging plumbing: The average Trenton home construction year is 1972. 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: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done to standard could lead to 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 being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Your home's structural integrity relies on its foundation. It's crucial to choose the top professionals 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. You can also get a sense of a company's experience through the details its representatives share. Ask about its inspection processes, local building regulations, permit-pulling procedures, and fees.
One of the best ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to visit its website. Look for the company's history and what credentials its team holds. Many prominent companies provide educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
We recommend examining the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to determine whether it's accredited and has a good customer review score. You can see whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints aren't necessarily a red flag in themselves. You want to discover how a company handles them. If the management team proactively and consistently resolves issues, it's a good sign. However, if the company lacks accreditation, has an abundance of negative feedback, and doesn't communicate properly, you should think twice about working with it.
Lastly, we encourage you to search different websites, like Trustpilot and Google, for other reviews.
Foundation Repair Cost in Trenton
The cost of foundation repair can vary quite a bit depending on the severity of the issues and what needs to be done to address them. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is substantial damage, the average cost will likely fall around $2,400. More complex jobs involving tunneling, helical piers, or concrete leveling could cost $6,700 or more. See below the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $300 |
Leak Repair | $2,327 |
Stabilization | $3,972 |
Underpinning | $1,152 |
Waterproofing | $2,562 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Trenton
How much does foundation repair cost in Trenton?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
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 slope away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for cracks, and repair any issues promptly.
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)