How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair business is important for accurately evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We suggest focusing on these key factors.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation provider with significant experience in successfully fixing foundations. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Reading through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps you verify that a company consistently delivers quality work and a great customer experience. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. General contractors in Alabama are required to hold a license if they work on projects that are worth $50,000 or more. To obtain a license, a contractor must provide proof of general liability insurance. Licensure is granted through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Pick a company that offers warranties of 10+ years that you can transfer to a new owner if you sell and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its services. This displays faith that their repairs will be high-quality and long-lasting and provides protection if problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During the process of selecting foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What type of warranties are provided? Reputable companies will offer warranties of at least 10 years on labor and materials.
- What options do you have for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What repairs would you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation defects did you identify during inspection that may be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers an unclear answer, it may be trying to bill you for extra work.
Taking the time to review foundation repair companies helps homeowners select the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that offers high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Swiftly tackling foundation problems helps prevent further structural damage.