How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair contractor to properly assess issues and make appropriate repairs. Do your research and focus on these important factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation company with significant experience in successfully fixing all foundation types. 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
Spend time reading through online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help verify 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 the right licenses, bonds, and insurance policies for liability and workers' compensation. General contractor licenses in Florida are given by the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. Both General and Residential Contractors can 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 are only permitted to work in the jurisdictions in which they are registered. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Pick a company that offers warranties of 10+ years that you can transfer to a new owner if you sell and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its work. 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
As you evaluate potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- What financing options do you offer? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected costs.
- What warranties do you provide? Reliable companies typically provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- What exact repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may consider options such as wall anchors, steel piers, 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 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 trying to bill you for unneeded work.
Carefully evaluating foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that offers high-quality, durable repairs. Swiftly tackling foundation problems helps prevent further structural damage.
