10 best foundation repair companies in Somerset, New Jersey

The foundation is the most important part of your house's structure. Without a sturdy foundation, everything in your house can break down, creating unsafe living conditions for you and your family. If you notice any cracks on your home's exterior, your foundation must be assessed by an expert foundation repair technician immediately.

Your foundation in Somerset may face moisture-related risks due to the area's high average rainfall of 48 inches annually. Heavy rain hitting the ground around your home causes the soil to absorb water and swell, which can put pressure on your foundation's concrete. The pressure from this expanding soil base can result in the formation of cracks and gaps.

Not only are homes with foundation issues dangerous, but they also have a harder time selling, as buyers don't want to deal with the financial burden of foundation repair or the hazard of related issues. Conversely, addressing your home's foundation issues will increase its market value when you're ready to put it on the market. Get in touch with a Somerset foundation repair company right away if you think your foundation is in jeopardy.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Somerset

Look for foundation repair companies in Somerset 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 clues your foundation needs repair. Some are more urgent than others.

• Visible foundation cracks: Cracks in your foundation are typically your first sign of problems and something you can catch early on if you routinely check the concrete and support framing around and under your house.
• Moisture in the crawl space: The presence of mildew, mold and moisture in your crawl space usually points to future foundation troubles, including 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: When your chimney shows signs of cracking or begins to lean, it can indicate that your foundation is already in trouble.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Keep an eye out for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they begin to appear more often. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation issues.
• 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.
• Loose or stuck doors: As a compromised foundation changes position, gaps develop in the walls, which can cause doors to jam when closed or not close properly.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

If you're unsure of the exact problem with your foundation, a pro from a foundation repair provider in Somerset will assess it and instruct you on the best solution. These experts offer a variety of common services, such as:

• Leak repair: First, the professional will locate 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 pro will isolate the leak, resolve the problem and offer waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Professionals can close cracks to prevent moisture from seeping through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the crack's size, the position and the angle. After cleaning the crack, a repair pro may apply 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 option for stopping additional damage may be stabilization. This service supports your foundation, keeping it in place and stopping further movement. It's less invasive and more cost-effective than leveling. The only downside is that it won't level out your home.
• Underpinning: When your foundation is failing or you need additional space above the foundation, professionals typically use underpinning, also known as leveling or piering. This is an in-depth technique that involves lowering the footing onto more stable ground to add strength and depth to an existing foundation. The approach requires removing soil from the area and replacing it with concrete to create a new foundation. Costs vary based on the number of piers added, the procedure and the technical expertise required.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is among the most effective methods to avoid future issues with your foundation. Interior waterproofing allows water to come into your crawl space or basement before using a sump pump to redirect it. However, exterior waterproofing blocks water from entering at all by adding a dimple board, speed strip, moisture barrier 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 Somerset

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

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be licensed and insured to protect you and your property. 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?

When vetting a service provider, ask if they know the cause of the problem and what they believe is the best remedy. If they suggest 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 a possibility instead. Be sure to ask about the pros and cons of each solution, so you have a thorough understanding of your choices. If you don't think the answer they give you is good enough, or you don't agree with it, you can always get a second opinion from a different contractor.

How much will my foundation repairs cost?

Ask for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost. If there are multiple options, get quotes in writing detailing everything from materials to time on site. We recommend getting several quotes for price comparison, as most respectable professionals will offer them for free. The overall cost depends on the severity of your foundation issues and how far the damage has spread.

Do you offer financing options?

Your service provider may offer payment plans or a percentage off 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 about a company's warranty options so you'll know what coverage you'll have once the repairs are complete. They may offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty that covers specific costs, such as materials, for a fixed period following the completion of the job.

How long will the repairs take?

Foundation repairs can take anywhere from one day to two months, with the degree of the damage largely determining the timeline.

Fixing cracks and leaks may only take a few days if no additional damage is present. Waterproofing projects can span one day to a week, based on the scope of the work. Pier repairs commonly take three to four weeks, whereas underpinning can take between four and six weeks.

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

You can often remain inside your home while foundation repairs are being done. You may have to stay elsewhere if the contractor cuts into your floors or ceiling, such as for installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Somerset home?

If you think your home has foundation issues, it's best to consult a professional. That being said, you can take preventative measures to protect your home's foundation against future damage.

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

If you're constructing a new home, ask your service provider about their foundation installation process. Your contractor will place fresh, level topsoil over the cleared land before concrete is poured for the foundation. Proper drainage must also be established to prevent water from gathering on or around the concrete slab. Proper curing of your concrete is essential after it's poured. The total curing process can take up to 28 days depending on the specific products used and the thickness of the pour. Your service professional should comply with the setting standards specific to your slab.

Protecting the foundation of an existing home

Doing consistent inspections is the most effective way to safeguard your home's foundation. As you inspect your concrete slab, be vigilant for signs of shifting, cracking or breaking around or within the concrete. Similar damage on your walls and framings often signals foundation issues, so don't forget to check them too.

Keep your foundation free from dirt and debris because it can hold moisture and lead to mold growth. Proper air circulation around your home is essential, so trim any plants growing against it. Additionally, ensure that trees and their roots are kept at a safe distance from your home to avert potential damage.

The relatively mild summers in Somerset mean that you don't have to be too worried about heat-related concrete shrinkage. However, you may want to water your concrete slab during a particularly hot summer to ensure it stays moist.

As a final step, don't forget to perform routine gutter cleanings. Gutters help prevent standing water by redirecting rainwater away from your 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.