Dover is one of the older, more built up towns in western Morris County. It grew as an iron and railroad center along the Rockaway River, and its neighborhoods are made up of closely spaced homes, many of them two and three family houses from the late 1800s and early 1900s, along with newer apartments and commercial buildings near the center. Many streets climb the hillsides on either side of the river valley, so steep driveways, tall stoops and short retaining walls are part of the landscape.
Driveways that take daily traffic
In a dense town, driveways work hard. Several cars, tight turns and plows all wear on the surface, and old slabs crack and settle. We replace concrete and asphalt driveways with a compacted stone base, control joints and a pitch that sends water to the street. On steep drives we use a broom finish for grip and add drains where water runs toward the garage.
Stoops and steps for multi-family homes
Two and three family houses often have several entries: a front stoop, a side door and a rear stair. When one fails, the others are usually close behind. We rebuild steps and stoops in concrete or brick with code height risers and solid railings, and we can rebuild porch slabs at the same time.
Short walls on hilly lots
Low walls along the sidewalk and between driveways hold back a lot of soil on Dover’s hills. Old block or stone walls lean and crack as water builds up behind them. We rebuild them in segmental block with drainage stone, which handles frost better than unreinforced block.
Foundations on older houses
Stone and early block foundations in town often show cracks, loose stones or damp spots. We repair cracked walls, rebuild failing sections and pour new footings when a porch or addition needs one.
What helps a Dover project go smoothly
- Tenant notice. Let tenants know dates so cars and entries can be planned.
- Street parking. Concrete trucks and dumpsters may need room on the street.
- Town approval. Driveways, aprons and sidewalks can need permits.
- Flood areas. Lots close to the river may fall under flood zone rules.
Dover borders Wharton, Mine Hill and Randolph, and we work in Victory Gardens and across Morris County. Request a free estimate and we will measure and price the work.
