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
We suggest choosing a local foundation repair company with a proven reputation for fixing various types of foundations. These companies should have deep knowledge of the latest techniques and materials. Ask providers how long they've served your area.
Reputation
Carefully reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a provider consistently delivers high-quality work and good customer service. Pay attention to any complaints about shoddy repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire providers that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both workers compensation and liability insurance. You typically want to look for a general contractor license. In Connecticut, this may be called a Home Improvement Contractor license. These licenses are issued by the Department of Consumer Protection. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its work. This demonstrates that the company stands behind its work and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When examining potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask in-depth questions such as:
- What repairs would you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide 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 foundation flaws 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 financing options do you offer? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What type of warranties do you offer? Reputable companies often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting the details in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners find the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that delivers high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues reduces the risk of further structural damage.
