How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Conduct research before starting your foundation repair project in order to find the most qualified foundation repair provider. Here are the main factors you should consider.
Experience
We suggest hiring a local foundation repair company with a long history of fixing various types of foundations. These companies should have deep knowledge of the latest materials and techniques. Ask providers how long they've served your area.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps confirm that a company routinely provides quality work and great customer service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire providers that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both liability and workers compensation insurance. You typically want to look for a general contractor license. In Connecticut, this may be referred to as a Home Improvement Contractor license. These licenses are issued by the Department of Consumer Protection. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
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 foundation repair 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
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected costs.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Trustworthy providers will offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
- What foundation flaws did you identify during inspection that may 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.
- What financing options do you offer? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- How long will the repairs realistically take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What exact repair method would you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may consider options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
Thoroughly assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners select the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that delivers high-quality, durable repairs. Swiftly tackling foundation problems helps prevent further structural damage.