How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Conduct research before beginning your foundation repair project in order to find the most qualified foundation repair provider. Here are the main factors to consider.
Experience
We recommend hiring a local foundation repair company with a well-established track record of fixing various foundation issues. These companies should have deep knowledge of the latest materials and techniques. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps confirm that a company consistently provides good workmanship and great customer service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the right credentials, bonds, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. In California, general contractors need to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board before working on projects valued over $500. To obtain a license, an individual needs to have at least four years of related 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. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally lifetime guarantees, to back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates that they stand behind the quality of their repairs and offers protection in case of future issues.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What type of warranties do you offer? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may offer 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.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected costs.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- How long will repairs realistically take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation flaws 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 an unclear answer, it may be trying to bill you for unnecessary work.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely completes durable, high-quality repairs. Fixing foundation problems quickly lowers the risk of future structural damage.
