Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Paterson
A few common reasons why Paterson homeowners deal with foundation woes include:
- Aging plumbing: Paterson has its fair share of older homes, with a median building year of 1955. Many of these properties use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start to erode, leaking water could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Paterson 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 keep dry.
- Improper modifications: Roofing or landscaping work that wasn't performed to standard could lead to your foundation settling.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through crevices, and may apply force that results in your foundation cracking, pipes leaking, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each contractor 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. Talk to staff to gain further insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, permit ordinances and inspection processes.
One of the most effective ways to evaluate a company's reputation is to find its website. Look for the company's years in business and the qualifications its team holds. Many top companies provide educational content for potential customers.
Customer Reviews
We advise reviewing the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to find out whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company dealt with complaints. It's a good sign if the company has fixed issues favorably and proactively. You should steer clear of a company with numerous negative reviews, no accreditation, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Paterson
The price of your foundation repair project can vary substantially based on the severity of the issues and what must be fixed. For minor foundation cracking and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,900. However, if there is significant deterioration, the typical cost falls at about $3,500. More intricate projects requiring digging, helical piers, or major mudjacking could cost $7,100+. See below 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 Paterson
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Paterson?
When do I need to waterproof my foundation?
Note that there are two kinds of waterproofing. Interior waterproofing involves installing sump pumps and drains or using sealants around a basement. Exterior waterproofing is usually less expensive. It involves installing exterior drains and forming physical barriers between your foundation and yard.
How long does foundation repair usually take?
What are some "red flags" indicating a foundation company to avoid?
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More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)