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 recommend focusing on these main factors.
Experience
We recommend choosing a local foundation repair company with a well-established track record of fixing various kinds of foundation problems. These companies should have expertise in the latest materials and techniques. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time checking online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help verify that the company consistently delivers quality work and professionalism. Take note of 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 over $500. To obtain 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. 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
Opt for a provider offering long transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its 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
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask specific questions such as:
- What foundation flaws 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 a vague answer, it may be trying to bill you for extra work.
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- How long will repairs realistically take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting the details in writing helps shield you from unexpected expenses.
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- What repair method do you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may consider options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. 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 delivers long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Promptly fixing foundation issues reduces the risk of further structural damage.
