How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair contractor to properly assess issues and make appropriate repairs. Do thorough research and focus on these important factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with many years of successfully fixing all foundation types. Technicians should have up-to-date knowledge of current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Spend time reading through online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers quality work and great customer service. Take note of any complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance policies for liability and workers' compensation. Florida general contractor licenses are managed by the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. Both General and Residential Contractors can complete projects on residential homes, and both 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 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 should problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask specific questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What guarantees do you provide? Reliable companies usually provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- What foundation defects did you find 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 unneeded work.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Asking for a quote in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners find the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that offers long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Promptly fixing foundation issues helps avoid further structural damage.
