How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair business is important for accurately evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We recommend focusing on these key factors.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with many years of successfully fixing foundations. Technicians should have extensive experience with current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
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 poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a company that has the correct licenses, bonding, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. You typically want to look for a general contractor license. In Connecticut, this may be called a Home Improvement Contractor license. These licenses are given out by the Department of Consumer Protection. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Look for a provider that offers lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, or preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its foundation repairs. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues arise in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During your assessment of potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask precise questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repair method do you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may offer 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.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting the details in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- What foundation flaws 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 a vague answer, it may be attempting to bill you for extra work.
- What options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What warranties do you provide? Reputable providers typically provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
Thoroughly evaluating foundation repair companies will help you identify the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely deliver long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Promptly addressing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.
