How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair company is important for accurately evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We recommend focusing on these main factors.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation company with many years of successfully fixing all foundation types. Technicians should have up-to-date knowledge of current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
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 multiple complaints about shoddy repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire providers that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both workers compensation and liability insurance. General contractors in California must 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 relevant 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
Look for a company that provides lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, or preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its work. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask specific questions such as:
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting the details in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What type of warranties are provided? Reputable companies will offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
- What do you see as the likely cause of my issues 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 financing options do you offer? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
Carefully reviewing foundation repair companies will help you locate the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely deliver long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.
