Home repair in Paterson, NJ

Paterson homes at a glance

Median year built

1954

Built before 1960

59%

Built since 2000

12%

Owner-occupied

27%

Median home value

$360,100

Main heat

Gas, 82%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates

What Paterson’s housing means for repairs

Paterson is a mill city, and its housing is old and dense. About 59% of homes predate 1960, the median year built is 1954, and only about 12% were built since 2000. Single-family detached homes make up only about 16%, so most buildings are two- and three-family frame houses and brick walk-ups, many on narrow lots in the Eastside, Riverside and South Paterson.

Gas heats about 82% of homes, often through old boilers in shared basements. Only about 27% of homes are owner-occupied, so landlords handle much of the work. Expect galvanized pipes, cast iron drains, patched plaster, old knob-and-tube or cloth wiring, and siding layered over original clapboard. The median home value is about $360,100.

Weather that wears on Paterson homes

Paterson has cold winters, hot humid summers and a river that floods. The Passaic River runs through the city, and heavy rain from tropical storms and nor'easters can push water into basements and low streets near the riverbanks. Freeze-thaw cycles crack concrete steps and loosen brick mortar. Nor'easters drive rain into older siding, window frames and flat roofs on walk-ups. Old boilers run hard through long cold stretches, and humid summers bring mold to damp basements. Mature street trees drop leaves that clog gutters each fall.

Common repairs in Paterson

• Boiler repair and service

  Old gas boilers heat many Paterson multi-family homes and need service before each winter.

• Bathroom leak into the unit below

  In stacked Paterson units, a leaking tub or toilet shows up as a ceiling stain one floor down.

• Layered siding and clapboard repair

  Layered vinyl, aluminum and older asbestos siding on Paterson frame houses cracks and loosens over time.

• Basement flood cleanup

  Heavy rain and Passaic River flooding push water into basements near the river.

• Ceiling and plaster repair

  Leaks from upper units crack and sag plaster ceilings below.

What these repairs cost

The middle half of Runhome repair estimates nationwide for each kind of job. Your price depends on the scope of the work.

Fix guides for Paterson homeowners

• Bathtub is separating from the wall

  A tub pulling from the wall in a Paterson two- or three-family house often leaks into the unit below.

• Ceiling is stained and sagging after a water leak

  Plaster ceilings in Paterson multi-family homes sag and stain after leaks from upstairs.

• Sewage backs up into the basement floor drain

  Paterson basements near the Passaic can back up through the floor drain during heavy storms.

• Ceiling is sagging or coming loose with no leak above it

  Old plaster ceilings in Paterson's prewar houses can sag as the plaster loses its grip on the lath, even with no leak.

Seasonal checklist

Fall

Have the boiler serviced and bleed radiators before heating season starts.

Winter

Keep heat on in vacant units so pipes in exterior walls do not freeze.

Spring

After heavy rain, check basement walls and the floor drain for water.

Hurricane season

If you live near the Passaic, move items off the basement floor and test your sump pump.

Common questions

Who pays for a leak between floors in a Paterson multi-family house?

If you own the building, the repair is yours, but tenants should report leaks quickly. If you rent, tell your landlord in writing. A plumber can find whether the leak is from a supply line, a drain or a fixture seal.

Is it worth replacing an old boiler in a Paterson two-family house?

If the boiler needs frequent repairs or parts are hard to find, replacement may cost less over time. A newer boiler can also lower gas bills. A technician can compare repair and replacement for your building.

What should I do if my Paterson basement floods?

Turn off power to the basement if water is near outlets or equipment. Pump out the water, dry the space and remove wet drywall or insulation to prevent mold. A contractor can help seal walls or add a sump pump and backwater valve.

Neighborhoods served

• Eastside
• Riverside
• South Paterson
• Great Falls

Other New Jersey cities

• Home repair in Elizabeth
• Home repair in Jersey City
• Home repair in Newark