How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair company 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 foundations. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps confirm that a company routinely provides good workmanship and good service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has valid licenses, bonds, and insurance policies for liability and workers' compensation. In the state of Florida, general contractor licenses 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 can work in any jurisdiction, while registered contractors may only work in the jurisdictions in which they are registered. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides transferable coverage for a minimum of 10 years, 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
To compare foundation repair professionals, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- 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.
- What repair method would you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may consider options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Reputable companies will offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Asking for a quote in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
Thoroughly evaluating foundation repair companies will help you identify the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely provide high-quality, durable repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.
