How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair business is important for accurately evaluating the damage and completing repairs correctly. We recommend focusing on these main factors.
Experience
Pick 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
Spend time reading through online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help verify that the company consistently delivers good workmanship and professionalism. Take note of complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a company that has the correct credentials, bonding, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. General contractors in California are required to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board before working on projects valued at more than $500. To apply for a license, an individual must have at least four years of relevant 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. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Pick a company that offers long transferable warranties for a minimum of 10 years and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its work. This displays faith that their repairs will be high-quality and long-lasting and provides protection if problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Reputable companies typically offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting the details in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- 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 options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
Taking the time to review foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that provides high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Promptly fixing foundation problems helps avoid further structural damage.
