In this on-site video, Randy from Chap Construction walks through a major renovation project here in Ocean County where poor soil conditions beneath the structure required a specialized foundation solution.
In areas like Toms River, Brick, and other Jersey Shore communities, unstable or sandy soil and flooding concerns can limit the effectiveness of traditional footings, often making house lifting services in New Jersey and related foundation work necessary. In this case, standard foundation support was not enough to safely carry the structural load. Instead of relying on surface-level bearing soil, the load needed to be transferred deeper into stable ground.
Why Helical Piles Were Used
To solve the issue, the team installed helical piles—large steel screw piles that are hydraulically driven into the ground. These piles are advanced until they reach a target resistance of approximately 2,000 PSI. That resistance confirms the piles are bearing in competent soil capable of supporting the structure above.
This method allows the weight of the home to bypass weak soil layers and rest on stronger material below, creating a stable, long-term support system that pairs well with custom home building services in Monmouth and Ocean County when designing new coastal structures.
Working Within Tight Access Conditions
One of the unique aspects of this project was access. The installation required bringing a compact excavator inside the structure through an opening in the floor. This approach allowed the team to perform the work from within the building footprint, which is often necessary on established residential properties throughout Ocean County where exterior space is limited.
Creating a Continuous Load Path
Once the helical piles were installed, repair brackets were used to connect them to the existing foundation. Concrete was poured over the piles with reinforcing steel, and masonry was brought up to meet the beam above.
The result is a continuous load-bearing path from the structure down to stable soil. Each component works together to properly transfer structural loads and support the building for the long term.
Engineering the Right Fix
When soil conditions are less than ideal, the answer is not a shortcut. It is a properly engineered repair that addresses the underlying issue. As a family-owned company serving Ocean County since 1972, Chap Construction approaches foundation challenges with practical experience and in-house coordination across trades.
If you are planning a renovation or home improvement project or have concerns about foundation stability in your Ocean County home, our team is available to review your project and recommend the right course of action.