Sussex is the most rural county we serve and one of the most rugged in New Jersey. The Kittatinny Ridge runs along its western edge, the Highlands cover the east, and in between are farms, forests and lake communities. Houses range from older farmhouses and stone-foundation homes in Newton and Wantage to lake cottages around Lake Mohawk and Lake Hopatcong to newer colonials on wooded lots in Sparta, Vernon and Byram. Ground conditions and weather here are different from the suburbs closer to the city, and good masonry work has to account for both.
Projects that suit Sussex properties
Retaining walls and terraces. On a hillside lot, a retaining wall is often the first step toward a flat yard, a usable patio or a stable driveway edge. We build them in segmental block or natural stone with drainage stone and outlets behind the wall so hydrostatic pressure does not push them over time.
Stone steps and walkways. Sloped front yards and lake lots often need a series of steps with landings. Bluestone treads, stacked stone risers and natural boulders fit the setting and stand up to the weather.
Driveways. Long, sloped driveways are typical in Sussex, and they take a hard hit from plows, snowmelt and frost. We rebuild failing sections and pour or pave new ones with a base and drainage designed for the grade.
Stone and brick work. Stone veneer on foundations, porch columns and chimneys suits the rural look of many homes. Our stone masonry and brickwork also covers repairs on older fieldstone walls.
Foundations. Older Sussex farmhouses sometimes have fieldstone or block foundations with cracks, settling or water seepage. We handle foundation repair and new footings for additions, garages and porches.
Building for winter and rock
Winters in Sussex run colder and longer than in Passaic or Bergen, and the frost goes deeper into the ground. That means footings for steps and walls need to be set properly below the frost line, gravel bases need to be thicker and compacted in layers, and water needs a clear path away from every slab. Rock is the other constant. Many lots have shallow ledge or large boulders just below the topsoil. We look for signs of rock during the estimate and talk through how it could affect layout and excavation, so the plan is realistic from the start.
Things to consider before work begins
- Mark your septic and well. Knowing where the tank, field and well head are lets us plan access and layout without risking damage.
- Lake and environmental rules. Properties near lakes, streams or wetlands, and those within the Highlands region, may have extra rules. Lake associations can also have their own requirements.
- Township permits. Most Sussex municipalities are townships with their own building departments. Retaining walls, new steps and some driveway work may need a permit.
- Shorter building season. Cold weather arrives earlier and stays later here. Getting an estimate in late winter or early spring helps you make the most of the warm months.
Sussex County towns we serve
We work across the county, including Newton, Sparta, Vernon, Hopatcong, Andover, Byram, Franklin, Hamburg, Hardyston, Lafayette, Ogdensburg, Stanhope, Stillwater, Wantage, Frankford, Fredon, Green, Hampton, Montague and Branchville.
Have a slope, wall or driveway that needs attention? Ask for a free estimate and we will visit your property.
