How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair company 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
We suggest choosing a local foundation repair company with a well-established track record of fixing various foundation issues. These companies should have deep knowledge of the latest techniques and materials. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps confirm that a company routinely provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a provider that has the right credentials, bonding, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. In Arizona, all contractors must be licensed through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, unless working on a job that is valued at less than $1,000 and that doesn't need a permit. To obtain a license, contractors must have four years of experience, pass an exam, and be bonded. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers long transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to fully back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates that they stand behind the quality of their repairs and offers protection in case of future issues.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
While researching options for foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation defects 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 a vague answer, it may be trying to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What repairs would you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What type of warranties are provided? Trustworthy providers will offer warranties of at least 10 years on labor and materials.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Asking for a quote in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners discover the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that offers high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues helps prevent further structural damage.