Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Woodbridge
Foundation issues have several possible causes. Here are the most prevalent ones for Woodbridge residents:
- Topsoil Frost: When temperatures plunge, topsoil abruptly ices over and lower layers can't expand, forcing upper layers to heave and permanently damage infrastructure.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Woodbridge 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 keep dry.
- Aging plumbing: Woodbridge has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1962. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't completed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
Choosing a foundation contractor doesn't have to be challenging. We encourage you to jot down what you expect most in a contractor, then evaluate each company on your shortlist against these 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. 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.
Contractor websites are some of the best places to do your research. Typically, a business will disclose how long it's been in business. It might also share blog posts to assist interested parties.
Customer Reviews
Before choosing a company, check its online profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can examine both positive reviews and complaints. Remember that negative feedback doesn't necessarily mean a contractor is incompetent. BBB comments also show how companies address complaints. A responsive team that works toward amicable outcomes is a good one. Avoid a contractor if you don't see clear communication about problems.
Foundation Repair Cost in Woodbridge
The price of foundation repair can vary substantially depending on the scale of the issues and what's needed to resolve them. For minor foundation fracturing and settling concerns, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is considerable deterioration, the typical cost falls at about $3,500. More involved projects involving excavating, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost upwards of $7,100. Below are the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $406 |
Leak Repair | $3,356 |
Stabilization | $5,879 |
Underpinning | $1,553 |
Waterproofing | $3,716 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Woodbridge
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Woodbridge?
How long does foundation repair usually take?
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 properly installed and direct water away from your foundation to avoid water accumulation.
- Irrigate the soil around your foundation consistently, especially during dry spells, to prevent expansion and shrinking.
- If possible, grade the soil around your home to angle away from your foundation, encouraging water drainage and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
- Check your foundation for signs of damage, 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)