How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair business ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to conduct research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Look for a local foundation repair provider with deep experience fixing all foundation types. It should have expertise in the latest repair methods and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
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
It's important to select a company that has the correct licenses, bonding, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. In Arkansas, general contractors are licensed by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board. For many home improvement projects, your contractor will likely hold a Residential Builders License. To obtain this license, a contractor must pass a law and business exam, provide references, and, if they have employees, obtain workers' compensation insurance. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, or preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its work. This demonstrates that the company stands behind its work and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask specific questions such as:
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- 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 attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting the details in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- What warranties do you provide? Reputable providers typically provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- How long will the repairs realistically take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What financing options do you offer? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely delivers durable, long-lasting repairs. Addressing foundation problems right away reduces the risk of future structural damage.