How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair contractor ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to conduct research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Look for a well-established local provider with a long track record of experience successfully handling all kinds of foundation repairs. These providers have specialized expertise using the latest methods and materials. Ask how long a company has served homes in your area.
Reputation
Spend time reading through online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers quality work and great customer service. Take note of any complaints describing poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the right licenses, bonds, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. In Colorado, general contractors don't require a state license, but many local governments have their own requirements. If you want to verify that a contractor has a valid business license, you can do this on the Secretary of State's website. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides transferable coverage for a minimum of 10 years, or preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its work. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask specific questions such as:
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Asking for a quote in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- What type of warranties do you offer? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- 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. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What foundation flaws did you identify 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 reviewing foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely completes long-lasting, quality repairs. Repairing foundation problems quickly decreases the risk of future structural damage.