10 best foundation repair companies in New Milford, Connecticut

The foundation is an essential part of your home. Without a solid foundation, everything in your house can fall apart, resulting in dangerous living conditions for you and your loved ones. Exterior cracks on or around your home are an indicator that your foundation has issues and needs to be inspected immediately by a foundation repair specialist.

The cold weather in New Milford make foundations in the area prone to shifting and cracking when built-up groundwater freezes.

Buyers are also hesitant to purchase a home with foundation issues as they don't want to take on the financial burden of foundation repair and the potentially dangerous conditions. Conversely, addressing your home's foundation problems will increase its value when you're ready to put it on the market. Find a New Milford foundation repair company right away if you suspect your foundation is in jeopardy.

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

Look for foundation repair companies in New Milford 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 maintenance, each with varying levels of importance.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are usually the first hint of a larger problem. They can be detected early if you routinely inspect the concrete and support framing below and around your house.
• Cracked chimney: If your chimney appears broken or starts to tilt, your foundation may already be compromised.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps form in the walls as a damaged foundation moves, making doors jam when shut or not close properly.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to surface more frequently. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation issues.
• Uneven floors: When your foundation starts to unlevel, your floors will follow suit. They may have high and low spots or feel springy.
• Skewed windows or doors: Windows and doors that misalign with their jambs or separate from their frames could be a sign that your foundation is dragging the walls away from their initial location.
• Moisture in the crawl space: The presence of moisture, mold and mildew in your crawl space can be a strong sign of future foundation problems, especially a sinking foundation.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the particular issue with your foundation, a professional from a foundation repair company in New Milford will inspect it and instruct you on the best solution. These pros offer a variety of typical services, such as:

• Leak repair: First, the technician will identify the cause of the leak, as it may be the result of plumbing issues or incorrect water redirection, or coming from a window, particularly in the basement. Then, the repair professional will isolate the leak, fix the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can close cracks to prevent moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the crack's size, the location and the orientation. After cleaning out 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.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking, the best service for preventing additional damage may be stabilization. This approach supports your foundation, maintaining its position and preventing further movement. It's less invasive and more budget-friendly than leveling. The one drawback is that it won't level out your house.
• Underpinning: Also referred to as leveling or piering, underpinning is a complex technique that strengthens your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Professionals use this method to increase the depth of an existing foundation. It's often necessary when a foundation is failing or when the building's use has changed, requiring additional space either above the foundation or in a basement. The process involves removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Prices vary depending on the method, the technical specialty required and the number of piers added.
• Waterproofing: Interior and exterior waterproofing are some of the best ways to avoid future foundation issues. Interior waterproofing redirects water that has entered your basement or crawl space with a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing prevents water from getting in at all through a dimple board, moisture barrier, speed strip and proper drainage, such as a footer drain. Opt for the exterior method if your basement serves as a spare room, office or living space.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in New Milford

Ask potential foundation repair experts the following questions to identify the best fit for your project.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Credible foundation repair companies should possess licenses and insurance to protect you and your home. Foundation repair professionals performing work valued at more than $200 must have a Home Improvement Contractor License from the Department of Consumer Protection. In addition, these professionals should have at least $20,000 in liability insurance.

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

Ask the foundation repair company if they know what is causing 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 find out if stabilization is a possibility if the price estimate is too high. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair provider to make sure you have a thorough understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each. You can always get a second opinion from a different provider if you don't like the answer or feel they aren't being detailed enough.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask potential contractors for a quote. Make sure you get quotes in writing that break down everything from materials to labor hours, especially if there are multiple options. We recommend getting multiple quotes for price comparison, as most trusted experts will offer them for free. The severity of the damage is the major factor determining the overall cost of the project.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer payment plans or a discount if you pay in cash. Check with your repair specialist to see if they offer financing directly, or if they partner with a third-party group that has financing plans available.

What kinds of warranties do you offer?

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

How long will the repairs take?

The severity of the damage greatly influences how long a foundation repair job will take, but projects typically last between one and two months depending on the service.

Crack and leak repairs can take a few 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 commonly 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 jobs are often safe and unintrusive enough that you can comfortably remain inside your home throughout the work. You may have to leave or relocate if the contractor has to cut into your floor or ceiling, which is usually only needed for bigger projects such as installing interior supports.

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

If you think your home has foundation problems, it's best to consult a professional. That being said, you can be proactive with certain strategies to protect your home's foundation against future problems.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those building a new house, consult with your contractor about their foundation installation process. Before the concrete is poured, the land should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the ground. You should also have adequate drainage to keep water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. Complete curing of your concrete is essential after it's poured. Your foundation expert has to follow the setting standards for the products used and the thickness of the pour, which may take up to 28 days.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Conducting consistent inspections is the best way to shield your home's foundation. As you perform an inspection, watch closely for any shifting, cracking or breaking in the slab itself or the surrounding area. Be sure to take a look at your walls and framings too. Similar damage to these areas can also point to foundation issues.

Protect your foundation by cleaning off dirt and debris from its base as buildup can hold moisture and encourage mold growth. Trim plants against your home to allow for sufficient air circulation, and make sure trees and their roots are kept away from your home.

Particularly hot summers are not common in New Milford, which thankfully means that concrete shrinkage due to heat isn't a big problem. Nevertheless, when your area faces unusually hot conditions, consider watering your foundation slab as a precautionary measure.

Lastly, keep your gutters clean. Gutters help decrease standing water by guiding rainwater away from your home's foundation and siding, which stops 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.