How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair company to properly assess issues and make appropriate repairs. Do your research and focus on these key factors when looking for the right company.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with a proven history of successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers quality work and great customer service. Take note of complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has the proper licenses, bonds, and coverage plans for liability and workers' compensation. General contractors in California must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board in order to work on projects valued at $500 or more. To apply for a license, an individual must 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 law and business and a trade exam, and must be bonded. Individuals or businesses that have employees must also have workers' compensation insurance. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Pick a provider that offers warranties of 10+ years that you can transfer to a new owner if you sell and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its foundation repair services. This displays confidence that the company's work is top-notch and provides protection if problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair professionals, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What foundation defects did you identify during inspection that could 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 unneeded work.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting quotes in writing helps shield you from unexpected expenses.
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What warranties do you provide? Reliable companies generally provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
Taking the time to review foundation repair companies helps homeowners select the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that provides high-quality, durable repairs. Promptly fixing foundation problems helps prevent further structural damage.
