How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair provider 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 reputable local foundation company with a proven history of successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. Technicians should have extensive experience with current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Thoroughly reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and getting local references helps verify that a provider consistently delivers high-quality work and good customer service. Pay attention to any complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a provider that has valid licenses, bonds, and coverage plans for liability and workers' compensation. 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 controlled by the Department of Consumer Protection. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Pick a company that offers transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade 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
While researching options for foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Reputable companies will offer warranties of at least 10 years on materials and labor.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation defects did you find during inspection that could 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 unnecessary work.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What exact repair method would you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners discover the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that provides high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues helps avoid further structural damage.