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
Pick a local foundation repair provider with extensive experience fixing all kinds of foundation problems. It should have specialized knowledge of the latest repair methods and materials. Ask how long a company has served your area.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps verify that a company regularly provides quality work and great customer service. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the right credentials, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. General contractors in California need to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board before working on projects valued at more than $500. To be eligible for a license, an individual needs to 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 work with concrete.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering transferable coverage for 10+ years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its foundation repair work. This exhibits belief in the quality and durability of the repairs and offers protection should problems develop later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When examining potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask in-depth questions such as:
- What options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What foundation flaws did you find 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 attempting to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What repair method would you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may consider 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.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Asking for a quote in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- What warranties do you provide? Reputable providers generally provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely completes durable, high-quality repairs. Repairing foundation problems quickly decreases the risk of future structural damage.
