How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair business is important for properly evaluating the damage and completing repairs correctly. We suggest focusing on these main factors.
Experience
We recommend hiring a local foundation repair company with a long history of fixing various kinds of foundation problems. These companies should have expertise in the latest techniques and materials. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers good workmanship and professionalism. Take note of any complaints mentioning faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire providers that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both liability and workers compensation insurance. In California, general contractors need to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board before working on projects valued at $500 or more. To be eligible for a license, an individual must have at least four years of related work experience in the last ten years (or be represented by someone who does), must pass both a business and law and a trade exam, and must be bonded. If an individual or business has employees, workers' compensation insurance is also required. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally up to lifetime guarantees, to back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates confidence in the quality of their work and offers protection if future issues arise.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask specific questions such as:
- What guarantees do you offer? Reliable companies usually provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What options do you have for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- What do you see as the likely cause of the problem based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide unclear answers may be attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
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 provides long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues reduces the risk of further structural damage.