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
Look for a reliable local foundation company with many years of successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. Technicians should have up-to-date knowledge of current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Carefully reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and getting local references helps confirm that a company consistently delivers top-notch workmanship and good customer service. Pay attention to any complaints about shoddy repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the right credentials, bonds, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. General contractors in California must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board before working 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 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
Look for a company that provides transferable coverage for a minimum of 10 years, or 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
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask specific questions such as:
- What repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as carbon fiber, steel piers, and wall anchors. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What type of warranties are provided? Reputable companies often offer warranties of at least 10 years on labor and materials.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting the details in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- What financing options do you offer? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- 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 trying to bill you for extra work.
Thoroughly evaluating foundation repair companies will help you identify the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely offer high-quality, durable repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.
