How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Conduct research before starting your foundation repair project in order to find the most qualified foundation repair company. Here are the main factors we recommend considering.
Experience
Find a local foundation repair provider with deep experience fixing all types of foundations. It should have expertise in the latest repair methods and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Thoroughly reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a company consistently delivers high-quality work and good customer service. Pay attention to any complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the appropriate licenses, bonds, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. In California, general contractors need to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board in order to work on projects valued at more than $500. To obtain 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. Individuals or businesses that have employees must also have workers' compensation insurance. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering long transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its repair work. This exhibits confidence that the repairs will be effective and offers protection should problems develop later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask specific questions such as:
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What foundation defects did you find 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 do you offer? Trustworthy providers typically offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting the details in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
Thoroughly reviewing foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs long-lasting, quality repairs. Repairing foundation problems swiftly decreases the risk of future structural damage.