How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair business ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to conduct research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation company with a proven history of successfully fixing all foundation types. Technicians should have extensive experience with current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps confirm that a company regularly provides good workmanship and good service. Pay attention if you see multiple 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 be eligible for a license, an individual needs to have at least four years of related 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 work with concrete.
Warranties
Pick a company that offers transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its work. This displays confidence that the company's work is top-notch and provides protection should problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair professionals, you should ask specific questions such as:
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What guarantees do you provide? Reputable providers typically provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- 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 a vague answer, it may be attempting to bill you for extra work.
- What financing options do you offer? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners find the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that provides high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues reduces the risk of further structural damage.
