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
Pick a local foundation repair company with deep 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
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps confirm that a company regularly provides good workmanship and great customer service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a provider that has the correct credentials, bonding, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. General contractor licenses in Florida are issued by the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. Both General and Residential Contractors can do work on residential houses, and both types of contractors can be certified or registered. Certified contractors are permitted to work in any jurisdiction, while registered contractors can only work in the jurisdictions in which they are registered. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Pick a company that offers long transferable warranties for a minimum of 10 years and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its foundation repair services. This displays confidence that the company's work is top-notch and provides protection if problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask specific questions such as:
- What type of warranties do you offer? Trustworthy providers will offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
- How long will repairs realistically take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repair method do you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may consider options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Asking for a quote in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- What options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What foundation flaws did you find during inspection that may be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers an unclear answer, it may be attempting to bill you for extra work.
Thoroughly evaluating foundation repair companies will help you select the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely offer durable, high-quality repairs. Promptly addressing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.