10 best foundation repair companies in New Brunswick, New Jersey

Your foundation supports your house's structural integrity. If your foundation isn't robust and reliable, it can cause your house to start to collapse, resulting in unsafe living conditions for you and your family members and pets. 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 expert.

The average annual rainfall of 47 inches in New Brunswick creates moisture risks for your foundation. As heavy rain hits the ground surrounding your home, the soil absorbs the water and swells. This expanding soil base can put pressure on your foundation's concrete, which may result in the development of cracks and air gaps.

Not only do foundation troubles make your home dangerous, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are hesitant to take on the expense of foundation repair or related issues. When you decide to sell, your home's market value will increase if you address your foundation problems. Locate a foundation repair company in New Brunswick immediately when your foundation is at risk.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in New Brunswick

Look for foundation repair companies in New Brunswick 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 several signs your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are often your first sign of issues and something you can catch early on if you routinely check the concrete and support framing under and around your home.
• Uneven floors: When your foundation starts to shift and become uneven, your floors will too. They may have raised and sunken areas or feel elastic.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Watch for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if you start to see more than usual. Your foundation may also be damaged if you find cracks in the ceiling.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you notice mold, mildew and moisture in your crawl space, it suggests you might have foundation problems especially a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps form in the walls as a failing foundation moves, making doors stick when closed or not close fully at all.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney seems cracked or starts to lean, it can signify that your foundation is already showing structural issues.
• Skewed windows or doors: A shifting foundation can cause your walls to move, leading to your doors or windows detaching from their frames or becoming unaligned with their jambs.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair experts in New Brunswick perform a variety of services. Even if you're unsure of what the exact issue is, a pro will assess your foundation and suggest a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: First, the service professional will identify the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of incorrect water redirection or plumbing issues, or coming from a window, particularly in the basement. Then, the repair pro will isolate the leak, repair the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can fill cracks to prevent moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the size of the crack, the position and the angle. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may use a silicone-based sealer that endures changing weather conditions and won't crack or bubble over time. They can also use an epoxy or polyurethane filler.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a complex process that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more supportive ground. Contractors use this technique to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's typically used when a foundation is failing or when the building's use has changed, requiring additional space either above the foundation or as a basement. The process involves removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary depending on the technical specialty required, the method and the number of piers added.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, stabilization may be the best option for preventing further damage. This process supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping any additional movement. It's more budget-friendly and less disruptive than leveling. The only downside is that it will not level out your house.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to prevent future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing redirects water that has come into your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing stops water from entering at all through a moisture barrier, dimple board, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Choose the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in New Brunswick

The right pro is vital when maintaining your foundation. To identify your best fit, ask potential foundation repair technicians the following questions.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Reputable foundation repair companies should be insured and licensed 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 contractor knows what is causing the problem and what they think is the right remedy. If they think raising your slab is the best approach, ask what tools they'll need for the job and how high they'll raise it. You can also find out if stabilization is an effective alternative if the quoted price is too high. Be sure to ask about the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, so you have a comprehensive understanding of your choices. You can always get a second opinion from another company if you don't like the answer or feel they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for a quote of how much the repairs will cost. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from supplies to time on site, especially if there are multiple options. Most respectable businesses will give you a free quote, and it's a good idea to get multiple for price comparison. The overall cost varies based on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the damage has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Some companies may offer financing options, such as installment plans or a percentage off if you pay in cash. Financing offers may also be available through third-party groups that partner with your foundation repair company.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

Ask what warranties the company offers so you know what kind of coverage you should have once the repairs are finished. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty, covering particular costs, such as materials used, for a specific number of years after the job is complete.

How long will the repairs take?

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

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 usually 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?

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

How can you protect the foundation of your New Brunswick home?

It's essential to contact a specialist if you believe you're currently experiencing foundation problems. However, you can also take preventative measures to protect your home's foundation from problems in the future.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

When building a new house, discuss the foundation installation process with your service provider. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared ground before pouring the concrete for the foundation. Additionally, adequate drainage is key to prevent water from accumulating on or near the concrete slab. The concrete needs to cure completely after it's poured. The total curing process can take up to 28 days depending on the specific material used and the width of the pour. Your service professional should comply with the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Regular inspections are the best way to protect your home's foundation. As you inspect your concrete slab, stay alert for any cracking, breaking or shifting around or within the concrete. Examine your walls and framings for similar damage, as these frequently indicate foundation problems.

Clear away dirt and debris from around your foundation's base because buildup can trap moisture and encourage mold that threatens your foundation. Sufficient air circulation around your home is critical, so cut back any plants growing against it. Additionally, make sure that trees and their roots are kept away from your home to avert potential damage.

The summers in New Brunswick are moderately warm, so you shouldn’t need to worry about concrete shrinkage due to heat too much. But, if your area experiences an extreme heat wave, you should water your concrete slab to help it stay moist.

Finally, routinely clean your gutters. Gutters help stop water damage by channeling rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, where it can build up.

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.