How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair company ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to do your research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation provider with a proven history of successfully fixing foundations. Technicians should have up-to-date knowledge of current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps verify that a company regularly provides quality work and great customer service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the appropriate licenses, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. In California, general contractors 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 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 concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a company that offers long transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally up to 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 providers, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting quotes in writing helps shield you from unexpected expenses.
- What repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What are some likely causes of the problem based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide unclear answers may be attempting to bill you for extra work.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reputable providers typically provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
Thoroughly reviewing foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely completes durable, high-quality repairs. Addressing foundation problems quickly lowers the risk of future structural damage.