Jefferson Township covers a large, rugged piece of the northwest corner of Morris County. It is part of the Highlands, with long ridges, deep valleys and Lake Hopatcong along its southwestern edge, plus a number of smaller lake communities. Housing ranges from former summer cottages on tight lake lots to postwar homes and newer colonials on wooded hillsides. Nearly every property deals with the same conditions: steep grades, rock close to the surface and long, cold winters.
Retaining walls on rocky slopes
On hilly lots, a usable yard often depends on a retaining wall. Here the challenge is as much what is under the soil as the slope itself. Ledge, boulders and pockets of loose fill can all turn up within a few feet. We build segmental block walls on compacted stone, step the base to follow rock where needed and backfill with drainage stone so frost and water do not push the wall out.
Steps built into the grade
Steep lots need steps in places a flat town never would: from a parking pad down to the front door, from the house to a lower yard, or down toward a lake. Block steps built into the wall itself keep the look consistent, and landings break up long climbs. Railings go wherever a drop calls for them.
Steep driveways that hold up
Driveways here can rise sharply from the road. We rebuild concrete and asphalt driveways with a deep base, a grippy finish on concrete, and drains or swales that move water off the surface before it can freeze or wash out the edges.
Foundations on hillside houses
Homes built into a slope often have one tall foundation wall holding back soil. Cracks, bowing and seepage on that wall are common. We repair and reinforce foundations and pour new footings for additions.
Jefferson planning list
- Ask about rock early, since it can change the layout.
- Plan access for equipment on narrow lake roads.
- Check lake, stream and Highlands rules where they may apply.
- Book early, since the building season is shorter at higher elevations.
Jefferson borders Rockaway Township and Roxbury, and is close to Mount Arlington. We cover all of Morris County. Request a free estimate for your Jefferson home and we will look at the slope with you.
