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
Find a local foundation repair provider with significant experience fixing all foundation types. It should have specialized knowledge of the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps confirm that a company consistently provides good workmanship and good service. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance policies for liability and workers' compensation. General contractors in California 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 decade (or be represented by someone who does), must pass both a law and business 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
Look for a provider that offers lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, or preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its repair work. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During your assessment of potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask precise questions such as:
- What foundation defects 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 a vague answer, it may be trying to bill you for unneeded work.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What warranties do you offer? Reputable providers generally provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting quotes in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What exact repair method would you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may offer 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.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners find 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 helps avoid further structural damage.
