How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair company is important for properly evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We recommend focusing on these key factors.
Experience
We suggest looking for 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
Carefully reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps confirm that a company consistently delivers high-quality work and great service. Pay attention to any complaints about shoddy repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has the proper licenses, bonds, and insurance policies 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 over $500. To apply for a license, an individual must have at least four years of relevant work experience in the last decade (or be represented by someone who does), must pass both a business and law and a trade exam, and must be bonded. If an individual or business has employees, workers' compensation insurance is also required. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a company that offers transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally up to lifetime guarantees, to 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
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- What type of guarantees are provided? Trustworthy providers typically offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What financing options do you offer? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- How long will repairs realistically take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation flaws did you identify during inspection that may 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 unneeded work.
Thoroughly evaluating foundation repair companies will help you select the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely provide high-quality, durable repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.