10 best foundation repair companies in Washington, New Jersey

Your foundation supports your home's structural integrity. If your foundation isn't strong and reliable, it can cause your house to deteriorate, leading to dangerous living conditions for you and your family members and pets. Cracks in or around your home's exterior are a big clue that something is wrong with your foundation and should be inspected immediately by a foundation repair expert.

The average annual rainfall of 45 inches in Washington 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, potentially causing the development of cracks and gaps.

Not only do foundation problems make your home unsafe, but they also make it harder to sell. Prospective buyers are hesitant to take on the financial burden of foundation repair or related issues. When it comes time to sell, your home's market value will improve if you fix your foundation problems. Get in touch with a Washington foundation repair company right away if you think your foundation is in danger.

Find the best local foundation repair companies for you in Washington

Look for foundation repair companies in Washington 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 display various signs that it requires repair, with each having a different level of urgency.

• Visible foundation cracks: The first sign of an issue with your foundation is cracking, which you can spot early on by regularly checking the concrete and support framing under and surrounding your house.
• Cracked chimney: When your chimney shows signs of fracturing or begins to lean, it can indicate that your foundation is already deteriorating.
• Moisture in the crawl space: If you see mold, moisture and mildew in your crawl space, it suggests you might have foundation problems including a sinking foundation.
• Loose or stuck doors: Gaps develop in the walls when a failing foundation moves, resulting in doors that stick when closed or not close fully at all.
• Uneven floors: Your floors will become unlevel as your foundation does. You may notice varying heights in different areas or a springy feeling as you walk across the floor.
• Cracks in walls or ceiling: Be on the lookout for diagonal cracks in your walls, especially if they start to surface more regularly. Ceiling cracks can also indicate foundation issues.
• 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 location.

What services do foundation repair companies offer?

Foundation repair professionals offer a range of services from leak repair to underpinning. Even if you don't know what specifically is wrong with your foundation, a pro will take a look at it and recommend a solution. Here are some common services they offer:

• Leak repair: The provider's first step is to locate the cause of the leak. It could be coming from a window, particularly in the basement, or the result of improper water redirection or plumbing problems. Once they find the cause, the repair technician will isolate the leak, repair the problem and provide waterproofing solutions.
• Crack repair: Contractors can fill cracks to prevent moisture from coming in through the soil underneath. The type of product used depends on the size of the crack, the position and the orientation. 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.
• Stabilization: If your foundation is sinking and you're looking for a solution that's more budget-friendly and less invasive than leveling, stabilization might be the best choice. This process supports your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing any additional movement or damage to your foundation. The only disadvantage is that it will not level out your home.
• Underpinning: Underpinning, also known as leveling or piering, is an extensive process that adds strength to your foundation by lowering the footing onto more stable ground. Service providers use this approach to add depth to a preexisting foundation. It's generally used when a foundation is failing, or the use of the building has changed and additional space is needed either on top of the foundation or in a basement. Soil is removed from the area and replaced by concrete, creating a brand-new foundation. Costs vary based on the process, the technical skill required and the number of piers added.
• Waterproofing: Among the most effective methods to prevent 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 speed strip, moisture barrier, dimple board and proper drainage, such as a footer drain to stop water from getting in at all. If you use your basement as a spare room, office or living space, you will want to choose the exterior method.

Questions to ask foundation repair pros in Washington

Ask potential foundation repair professionals the following questions to find the ideal fit for your job.

Is your company properly licensed and insured?

Trustworthy foundation repair companies must be licensed and insured to safeguard 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 considering a foundation repair company, ask if they know the cause of the problem and what they believe is the ideal 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 a possibility instead. Discuss the possible solutions with your repair pro to make sure you have a complete understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each. If you don't think the answer they give you is thorough 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 prospective companies for an estimate. For projects where you have to choose between several alternatives, make sure you ask for quotes in writing detailing everything from supplies to time on site. Most reputable 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?

Some contractors 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 about a company's warranty options to know what kind of coverage 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?

The timeline of foundation repairs can vary from a single day to two months based on how severe the damage is.

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, depending 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?

You can often remain inside your home while foundation repairs are carried out. You may have to relocate if the technician has to cut into your floors or ceiling, such as when installing interior supports.

How can you protect the foundation of your Washington home?

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

Protecting your foundation when building a new home

For those constructing a new house, talk with your contractor about their foundation installation process. Before the concrete is poured, the area should be cleared and have fresh, level topsoil spread over the area. You should also have proper drainage to keep water from accumulating on or around the concrete slab. After your concrete is poured, it must cure completely. The total curing process can take up to 28 days based 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

The best method to protect your foundation from future damage is through consistent inspections. As you inspect your concrete slab, stay alert for signs of breaking, shifting or cracking in the slab itself or the surrounding area. Similar damage on your walls and framings commonly indicates foundation issues, so don't forget to check them too.

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

The summers in Washington are relatively mild, so you shouldn’t need to worry about heat-related concrete shrinkage too much. But, if your area experiences a very hot season, you may want to water your concrete slab to help it retain moisture.

Lastly, regularly clean your gutters. Gutters help stop water damage by redirecting rainwater away from your house'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.