How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair contractor to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do your research and focus on these important factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
We recommend looking for a local foundation repair company with a well-established track record of fixing various types of foundations. These companies should have expertise in the latest materials and techniques. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Reading through 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 companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both liability and workers compensation insurance. General contractors in California are required to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board in order to work on projects valued over $500. To apply for 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. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its foundation repairs. This demonstrates that the company stands behind its work and safeguards you if issues arise in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Asking for a quote in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Reputable companies typically offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
- What repair method would you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What foundation flaws did you find 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 unnecessary work.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
Carefully reviewing foundation repair companies will help you locate the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely provide high-quality, durable repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.
