Why is my backfill settling next to the foundation in Riverview?

We found no New Brunswick source that explains why backfill settles against a particular foundation, so the cause has to be judged on site by a contractor or engineer.

What to ask about

Ask what material was used against the wall, how it was placed and compacted, and whether water is collecting against the foundation. Those are questions for the contractor who did the work and for whoever you bring in to look at it.

The Riverview context.

In Riverview, building and development permits come through Plan 360, the Southeast Regional Service Commission. Under Regulation 2021-2 of the Building Code Administration Act, a footing and foundation inspection is required before any backfilling begins on a new foundation. If that inspection was skipped or backfilling started before the inspector signed off, that is worth raising with Plan 360 directly. Ask them how to confirm whether the inspection record is on file for your address.

If the settling trench is within 30 metres of a watercourse or wetland, any remedial digging or grading in that zone requires a Watercourse and Wetland Alteration permit from the province before work starts. The 30 metres is measured horizontally from the top of the bank on the ground, not from a map.

Before any contractor opens the ground to re-compact or replace the backfill, two separate locate requests are needed: one through Info-Excavation (Click Before You Dig, with three working days notice) and a separate one directly to NB Power, requested at least five business days ahead. NB Power's locate covers only NB Power-owned underground lines and is valid for 60 days from the date on the locate form. Any private lines, such as wiring to a garage or outdoor fixture, are the owner's to find and mark before the machine moves.

What to ask and what a fair quote covers.

A written quote for remedial backfill work should spell out how the contractor plans to compact the fill (lift thickness and equipment), what material will be used to replace what comes out, where the spoil goes and who pays trucking, and whether any drainage work is included. Ask for a WorkSafeNB clearance certificate before signing, confirming the contractor is registered and in good standing. Under the Construction Remedies Act, you must retain 10% of the contract price as a holdback for 60 days after the certificate of substantial performance is signed.

Comparing bids is easier if each one names the same things: how rock (if encountered) is priced, what trucking distance and disposal cost are assumed, what backfill material is specified, and what clean-up and grading are included at the end.