How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair company to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do your research and focus on these key factors when looking for the right company.
Experience
Pick a local foundation repair provider with significant experience fixing all foundation types. It should have expertise in the latest repair methods and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time reading through online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help confirm that a provider consistently delivers quality work and professionalism. Take note of complaints describing faulty repairs or poor service.
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 handled by the Department of Consumer Protection. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a company that offers transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally lifetime guarantees, to back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates that they stand behind the quality of their repairs and offers protection in case of future issues.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
While researching options for foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What exact repair method do you recommend for this 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.
- What financing options do you offer? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What foundation defects did you identify 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 extra work.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Reputable companies will offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely delivers durable, high-quality repairs. Fixing foundation problems quickly decreases the risk of future structural damage.