How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair provider ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to do your research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Look for a well-established local company with a long track record of experience successfully completing all kinds of foundation repairs. These providers have specialized expertise with the latest materials and methods. Ask how long a company has served homes in your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a company routinely provides quality work and great customer service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a provider that has the correct licenses, bonding, and coverage 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 needs to 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 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 provider that offers lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its foundation repairs. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues arise in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What repair method would you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What type of warranties do you offer? Trustworthy providers typically offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- What do you see as the likely cause of my issues based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide vague answers may be trying to bill you for unneeded work.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Asking for a quote in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners discover the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that offers long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues helps avoid further structural damage.
