How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair provider is important for properly evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We recommend focusing on these key factors.
Experience
Find a local foundation repair provider with deep experience fixing all types of foundations. It should have specialized knowledge of the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps verify that a company regularly provides good workmanship and great customer service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the appropriate licenses, bonds, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. In California, general contractors 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 business and law 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
Choose a provider that offers long transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to fully back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates that they stand behind the quality of their repairs and offers protection if future issues arise.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repair method do you recommend for my 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 warranties do you offer? Reputable providers generally provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
- What do you see as the likely cause of the problem based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide unclear answers may be attempting to bill you for unnecessary work.
Carefully reviewing foundation repair companies will help you identify the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely offer durable, high-quality repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.
