Settlement Cracks in a Basement Slab Following Renovation

New cracks radiating across a basement slab after a recent addition or heavy renovation usually indicate the footing under the addition is settling at a different rate than the original footing. The slab acts as a stress indicator.

NJ additions are often built on footings poured into disturbed fill from the excavation itself, leading to post-construction settlement. Underpinning the addition footing transfers load to stable bearing stratum and stops the progression.