10 best foundation repair companies in Lawrence, New Jersey

Your foundation supports your house's stability and durability. A weak foundation can cause your house to break down, creating dangerous conditions for you and your loved ones and pets. If you see any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be checked by a skilled foundation repair technician immediately.

Lawrence gets an average of 47 inches of rain annually, which can cause moisture risks to your foundation. When heavy rain pools around your home, the soil absorbs the water and expands. The expanding soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, leading to the formation of cracks and gaps.

Not only are homes with foundation troubles dangerous, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to deal with the expense of foundation repair or the challenge of related problems. When you're ready to put it on the market, your home's market value will increase if you resolve your foundation issues. Find a foundation repair company in Lawrence right away when your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Lawrence

Look for foundation repair companies in Lawrence 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?

There are various signs your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: The first sign of a problem with your foundation is cracking, which you can spot early on by routinely checking the concrete and support framing under and around your house.
• Uneven floors: As your foundation becomes uneven, so will your floors. They may have high and low spots or seem bouncy as you walk on them.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps form in the walls when a broken foundation shifts, resulting in doors that jam when closed or fail to shut properly.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you notice mildew, moisture and mold in your crawl space, it indicates you might have foundation problems especially a sinking foundation.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors can become misaligned with their jambs or separate from their frames when your foundation shifts the walls away from their initial position.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears cracked or starts to tilt, your foundation may already be failing.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to appear more frequently. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation damage.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the exact issue with your foundation, a pro from a foundation repair company in Lawrence will inspect it and advise you on the best solution. These companies provide a variety of common services, such as:

• Leak repair: First, the service provider will find the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of incorrect water redirection or plumbing issues, or coming from a window, especially in the basement. Then, the repair pro will isolate the leak, repair the problem and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: To prevent moisture from coming in through the soil and into your foundation, a professional can seal cracks. The type of product used is based on the crack's dimensions, location and orientation. After cleaning out the crack, a repair pro may apply a silicone-based sealer that endures varying weather conditions without cracking or bubbling over time. Epoxy or polyurethane fillers are also good options.
• Stabilization: If your foundation has started to sink and you're looking for a solution that's more cost-effective and less disruptive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This approach supports your foundation, maintaining its position and stopping any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The one downside is that it will not level out your house.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, experts often suggest underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is a heavily involved procedure that involves lowering the footing onto more supportive ground to add support 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 technical expertise required, the number of piers added and the procedure.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is one of the best ways to prevent future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing enables water to access your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to channel it. However, exterior waterproofing blocks water from entering at all by adding a speed strip, moisture barrier, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. You will want to choose the exterior method if you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Lawrence

Fixing your foundation is critical, so to make sure you get the best fit for your foundation repair requirements, ask providers you're choosing between the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be licensed and insured to protect 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?

To ensure a contractor is the right fit, ask if they understand the source of the problem and what they think is the best fix. If raising your slab is the method they suggest, ask what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also ask if stabilization is an option if the price estimate is too high. Be sure to ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, so you have a thorough understanding of your choices. Get a second opinion if you don't like the answer or think they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that detail everything from materials to time on site, especially if there are multiple options. Most trusted professionals will give you a free estimate, and it's a good idea to get multiple for price comparison. The severity of the damage is the major factor determining the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Your repair professional may offer financing options, such as payment plans, directly or through a third-party company. The foundation repair provider may also offer a percentage off if you pay in cash.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask about a company's warranty options to know what kind of protection you'll have after the repairs are done. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific costs, such as materials used, for a certain number of years after the work is done.

How long will the repairs take?

How long foundation repair will take is dependent on the severity of the damage, but projects generally range from one day to two months.

In the absence of additional issues, crack and leak repairs may be finished within a couple of days, while waterproofing projects can fluctuate between one day and a week, based on the scale of the job. Expect pier repairs to take three to four weeks, and underpinning to require four to six weeks.

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

In most cases, you can remain in your home during foundation repairs. However, if the service provider needs to cut into your ceiling or flooring, such as when adding interior supports, you may have to temporarily relocate.

How can you protect the foundation of your Lawrence home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When building a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your foundation professional. The land should be prepared by clearing it and ensuring fresh, level topsoil is in place before your contractor pours the concrete. Additionally, proper drainage is necessary to prevent water from accumulating on or near the concrete slab. The concrete should be allowed to cure properly after it's poured. Based on the setting standards of the material used and the pour's thickness, the curing process may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

The best way to shield your foundation from future damage is through consistent inspections. As you inspect your concrete slab, stay alert for any cracking, breaking or shifting in the slab itself or the surrounding area. Check your walls and framings for similar kinds of damage, as these commonly point to foundation damage.

Protect your foundation by clearing away dirt and debris from its base because buildup can trap moisture and lead to mold growth. Prune plants against your home to allow for proper air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept away from your home.

Concrete shrinkage due to heat is not a big issue in Lawrence because the summers are fairly gentle. Although, if your area experiences a very hot season, you should water your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

Lastly, keep your gutters clean. Gutters channel rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, preventing pooling water that can cause water damage.

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.