How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair contractor to properly assess issues and make appropriate repairs. Do your research and focus on these factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
Choose a well-established local provider with a long track record of experience successfully completing all types of foundation repairs. These companies have specialized expertise with the latest materials and methods. Ask how long a company has served homes in your area.
Reputation
Spend time checking online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help confirm that a provider consistently delivers quality work and professionalism. Take note of any complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both liability and workers compensation insurance. In California, general contractors are required to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board in order to work on projects valued over $500. To apply for 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 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 work with concrete.
Warranties
Pick a provider that offers transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade 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
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as carbon fiber, steel piers, and wall anchors. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What type of warranties do you offer? Trustworthy providers typically offer warranties of at least 10 years on materials and labor.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting the details in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- 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 an unclear answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unnecessary work.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
Thoroughly assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners select the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that provides high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Swiftly tackling foundation problems helps prevent further structural damage.
