How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair company to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do your research and focus on these key factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
We recommend looking for a local foundation repair company with a proven reputation for fixing various foundation issues. These companies should have deep knowledge of the latest materials and techniques. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Researching online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps you confirm that the company consistently delivers quality work and a great customer experience. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both liability and workers compensation insurance. In California, general contractors must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board in order to work on projects valued at $500 or more. To apply for a license, an individual must 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. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a company that offers transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally lifetime guarantees, to fully back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates confidence in the quality of their work and offers protection in case of future issues.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair professionals, you should ask specific questions such as:
- What repairs would you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- 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 a vague answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What warranties do you provide? Reputable providers usually provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting the details in writing helps shield you from unexpected expenses.
- What financing options do you offer? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
Carefully evaluating 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, durable repairs. Swiftly tackling foundation problems helps avoid further structural damage.
