How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair company is important for accurately evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We suggest focusing on these key factors.
Experience
Look for a local foundation repair company with comprehensive experience fixing all types of foundations. It should have specialized knowledge of the latest repair methods and materials. Ask how long a company has served your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps verify that a company regularly provides quality work and great customer service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the appropriate licenses, bonds, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. General contractors in California need to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board in order to work on projects valued at more than $500. To obtain a license, an individual needs to have at least four years of related work experience in the last decade (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
Opt for a provider offering long transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its foundation repair work. This exhibits belief in the quality and durability of the repairs and offers protection should problems develop later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During the process of selecting foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting the details in writing helps shield you from unexpected expenses.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reliable companies generally provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
- What foundation defects 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 an unclear answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- What exact repair method do you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may consider options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- How long will the repairs realistically take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners find the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that offers high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Promptly fixing foundation issues reduces the risk of further structural damage.