Elizabeth is the county seat of Union County and one of the largest cities in New Jersey. Its neighborhoods are mostly dense blocks of two and three family houses, brick apartment buildings and older single family homes, many built in the early twentieth century. The city sits low near Newark Bay and the Arthur Kill, with the Elizabeth River running through it. That mix of older buildings, tight lots and low ground shapes the work owners need most.
Sidewalks and concrete at the property line
In Elizabeth, as in most cities, the owner usually takes care of the sidewalk in front of the building. Raised slabs, broken corners and settled sections are trip hazards and can lead to notices from the city. We cut out damaged slabs and pour new ones, matching the neighboring walk. Where the concrete is worn but still level, concrete repair and resurfacing can restore the surface for less disruption.
Stoops and entries
Many multi-family houses have a high concrete or brick stoop with several steps and a landing. Over time the treads crack, the landing tilts and the railings loosen. We rebuild concrete steps and stoops on new footings, finished in concrete, brick or stone veneer, with railings that meet code.
Brick and stucco walls
Older brick buildings lose mortar at the joints, around windows and at the top of walls where water runs. Repointing with a suitable mortar keeps water out and stops brick from spalling. On frame houses and older masonry, stucco is common. Cracks and hollow spots let water in behind it. Our stucco work covers patching, full refinishing and new stucco over properly prepared walls.
Water in the basement
Low lying parts of the city can have high groundwater, and many older foundations were never designed to be fully dry. We check gutters, downspouts, grading and cracks, and then recommend waterproofing if water is coming through the walls.
Small yards and side passages
Behind many Elizabeth houses is a small yard or a narrow side passage that collects water and weeds. Pouring new concrete or laying pavers there, pitched toward a drain or the street, keeps water away from the foundation and makes the space easy to keep clean. It also gives tenants a usable spot for bins and bikes.
Before you start
- City permits. Sidewalks, stoops and work on the building exterior usually need city approval. We handle the paperwork.
- Tenants and access. In occupied buildings we keep an entrance open and plan noisy work for daytime.
- Parking and staging. On streets without driveways, we plan deliveries and debris removal around local rules.
Elizabeth is one of the cities we cover in Union County, along with neighboring Linden. For stoops, sidewalks or stucco, book your free estimate and we will inspect the building.
