How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair contractor to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do thorough research and focus on these factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
We recommend hiring a local foundation repair provider with a long history of fixing various types of foundations. These companies should have expertise in the latest materials and techniques. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a company regularly provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a provider that has valid licenses, bonding, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. General contractors in Colorado don't need a state license, but many local governments have their 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 company 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 foundation repair services. This displays faith that their repairs will be high-quality and long-lasting and provides protection should 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:
- 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 unneeded work.
- What warranties do you provide? Reputable providers usually provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
Carefully evaluating foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that provides high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Promptly fixing foundation problems helps avoid further structural damage.