How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair provider ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to do your research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation company with many years of successfully fixing all foundation types. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps confirm that a company consistently provides good workmanship and great customer service. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire providers that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both workers compensation and liability insurance. In Alabama, general contractors must hold a license if they work on any projects worth $50,000 or more. To get a license, a contractor must provide proof of general liability insurance to the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Pick a provider that offers long transferable warranties for a minimum of 10 years 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 should problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What repair method do you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation flaws did you identify during inspection that could be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers an unclear answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- What type of warranties are provided? Trustworthy providers typically offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected costs.
Taking time to vet foundation repair companies will help you identify the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely offer high-quality, durable repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.