Caldwell is the small borough at the center of the three Caldwells, with a traditional main street and residential blocks within walking distance of it. Houses here are mostly older colonials, bungalows and Victorians on modest lots, close to the sidewalk and to each other. Because so many people walk past every day, the front of the house carries a lot of weight.
The front entry comes first
A tired stoop or a heaved walk is hard to ignore on a street people stroll down. Many Caldwell entries are brick steps with stone or concrete treads that have shifted after years of frost. Rather than patch the cracks, we rebuild front steps on a footing below the frost line and finish them in brick, stone veneer or concrete to match the house.
Walkways that fit a short setback
When the house sits only a few steps back from the sidewalk, the walkway is short but very visible. We lay walkways in pavers, brick or bluestone, set on compacted stone so they do not trip anyone up after a hard winter. A matching border or a small landing at the steps ties it all together.
Older brick, chimneys and foundations
Older Caldwell homes often have brick chimneys and foundations that have never been repointed. Look for:
- sandy or missing mortar between bricks
- brick faces that are flaking or cracked
- loose bricks at the top of the chimney
- damp spots on the inside of the foundation wall
Repointing with a mortar that suits the original brick stops water before it does more damage. Where the brick itself is gone, we cut in matching replacements.
Small backyards
Back yards in town are usually compact. A simple paver patio with a straight border, sized for a table and a few chairs, tends to be the right fit. We keep the layout simple so the space feels larger.
Working in a tight neighborhood
Parking and access are limited on many blocks. We coordinate deliveries, keep the sidewalk clear and check with the borough building department about permits before work begins.
Caldwell sits beside West Caldwell and Essex Fells, and we serve all of Essex County. To get started, book your free estimate.
