10 best foundation repair companies in Hoboken, New Jersey

Your foundation supports your house's stability and durability. If your foundation isn't sturdy and reliable, it can cause your house to deteriorate, resulting in unsafe living conditions for you and your loved ones. Exterior cracks on or around your home are a major red flag that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected right away by a foundation repair specialist.

Fix foundation damage early on to stop further issues, such as a sinking foundation, cracking walls or roof damage. You'll save time and money over time by resolving the issue while it's still minor.

Not only do foundation issues make your home unsafe, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are reluctant to deal with the expense of foundation repair or related problems. Conversely, fixing your home's foundation problems will raise its value when you decide to sell. Locate a foundation repair company in Hoboken right away when your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Hoboken

Look for foundation repair companies in Hoboken with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.

What are some signs you need foundation repair?

Your foundation will give you various hints that it requires attention, with each having a different level of severity.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are commonly the first indication of trouble. You can catch them early if you regularly check the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that become unaligned with their jambs or separate from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is pulling the walls away from their initial position.
• Moisture in the crawl space: Mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space are clear indicators of impending foundation issues, such as a sinking foundation.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Stay vigilant for diagonal cracks appearing in your walls, particularly if they start to emerge more regularly. Cracks in the ceiling may also suggest foundation problems.
• Loose or stuck doors: When a broken foundation shifts, spaces open in the walls, causing doors to stick when closed or not close correctly.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes uneven, so will your floors. They may have high and low spots or seem springy as you walk on them.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of fracturing or begins to tilt, it can indicate that your foundation is already damaged.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair companies in Hoboken provide a variety of services. Even if you're unsure of what the specific issue is, a professional will inspect your foundation and suggest a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: The technician's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, especially in the basement, or the result of plumbing problems or improper water redirection. Once they find the cause, the repair specialist will isolate the leak, fix the problem and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can seal cracks to prevent moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. Which sealant the contractor uses depends on the crack's size, the location and the angle. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that withstands changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, professionals typically suggest underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a heavily involved technique that involves lowering the footing onto more stable ground to add strength and depth to an existing foundation. The method requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Prices vary based on the procedure, the number of piers added and the technical expertise required.
• Stabilization: Stabilization can stop further damage if your foundation has already begun to sink. This technique supports your foundation by maintaining its position and preventing additional movement. It won't level out your house, but it's more budget-friendly and less invasive than leveling.
• Waterproofing: Among the most effective methods to avoid future issues with your foundation is waterproofing. Interior waterproofing uses a sump pump to redirect water that has come into your crawl space or basement. Exterior waterproofing uses a moisture barrier, speed strip, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to block water from entering at all. If you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to opt for the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Hoboken

Maintaining your foundation is critical, so you need to choose the right expert for the job. To pinpoint your best fit, ask potential foundation repair providers the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should have licenses and insurance to safeguard you and your home. A Home Repair Contractor License from the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance is required for foundation repair professionals working in New Jersey. They must also be registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs.

What do you think is the cause of the problem, and how do you recommend fixing it?

Find out if the foundation repair company knows what is causing the problem and what they think is the best fix. If they recommend raising your slab, ask how high and what tools they will use. If the price estimate is too high, you can ask if stabilization is an option instead. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair professional to make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each. If you don't feel like the answer they give you is good enough, or you don't like it, you can always get a second opinion from a different contractor.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask prospective companies for an estimate. If there are several options, get quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to labor hours. Most respectable companies will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get a few for price comparison. The extent of the damage is the major factor determining the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

If you're looking for financing options, they may be available through your repair company directly or third-party groups that partner with them. Check for installment plans or a discount if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Discuss a company's warranty options so you'll understand what coverage you'll have once the repairs are complete. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific expenses, such as materials, for a fixed period following the completion of the job.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repair timelines can vary significantly, from one day to as long as two months based on the severity of the damage.

Crack and leak repairs can take a couple of days to fix if there isn't further damage. Waterproofing can take anywhere from one day to a week, based on the extent of the project. A pier repair typically takes three to four weeks, while underpinning can take four to six weeks.

Can I remain in my home while foundation repairs are being completed?

Foundation repair services are often safe and unintrusive enough that you can comfortably remain inside your home throughout the job. You may have to leave or stay elsewhere if the service provider has to cut into your floor or ceiling, which is usually only needed for more involved projects such as installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Hoboken home?

Although consulting an expert is crucial if you suspect you already have foundation problems, there are preventative solutions you can take to better safeguard your home's foundation from future problems.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're in the process of constructing a new house, have a conversation with your contractor about what steps they will take during foundation installation. Before pouring concrete, the land should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil in place. Your contractor should make sure there's proper drainage to stop water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it should cure fully. Your contractor has to follow the setting standards for the material used and the width of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Performing routine inspections is the easiest way to protect your home's foundation. As you inspect, look out for signs of shifting, cracking or breaking in or around your concrete slab. Be sure to check your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also signal foundation problems.

Protect your foundation by cleaning off dirt and debris from its base as buildup can hold moisture and cause mold growth. Proper air circulation around your home is essential, so prune any plants growing against it. Additionally, ensure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home to prevent potential damage.

The summers in Hoboken are relatively mild, so you shouldn’t need to worry about heat-related concrete shrinkage too much. But, if your area experiences an extreme heat wave, you may want to water your concrete slab to help it keep hydrated.

Lastly, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help stop water damage by guiding rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, where it can pool.

Our methodology for selecting foundation repair companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.