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 main factors.
Experience
Choose a well-established local company with many years, ideally decades, of experience successfully handling all kinds of foundation repairs. These companies have specialized expertise with the latest materials and methods. Ask how long a company has been serving your area.
Reputation
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help confirm that the company consistently delivers quality work and professionalism. Take note of complaints mentioning poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the right credentials, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. General contractors in California are required to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board in order to work on projects valued at more than $500. To be eligible for a license, an individual needs to have at least four years of relevant 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. 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
Pick a company that offers long transferable warranties for a minimum of 10 years and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its foundation repair services. 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
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- 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 attempting to bill you for extra work.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Asking for a quote in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What warranties do you provide? Reputable providers typically provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
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 delivers high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Promptly fixing foundation problems helps prevent further structural damage.
