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 do your research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Find a local foundation repair company with deep experience fixing all foundation types. It should have expertise in the latest repair methods and materials. Ask how long a company has served your area.
Reputation
Researching online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps you verify that the provider consistently delivers quality work and a positive customer service experience. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance policies for liability and workers' compensation. General contractors in Colorado don't need a state license, but your local government may have its own requirements. To verify whether a contractor has a valid business license, you can check on the Secretary of State's website. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Pick a provider that offers warranties of 10+ years that you can transfer to a new owner if you sell and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its services. This displays faith that their repairs will be high-quality and long-lasting and provides protection if problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During the process of selecting foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- How long will repairs realistically take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repair method would 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 options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What foundation defects did you find during inspection that may be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers an unclear answer, it may be trying to bill you for extra work.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What warranties do you offer? Reliable companies usually provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
Taking the time to vet foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely completes durable, high-quality repairs. Fixing foundation problems swiftly decreases the risk of future structural damage.