How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Conduct research before beginning your foundation repair project, so you can find the most qualified foundation repair company. Here are the main factors to consider.
Experience
Find a local foundation repair company with extensive experience fixing all types of foundations. It should have expertise in the latest repair methods and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help confirm that a provider consistently delivers quality work and professionalism. Take note of complaints mentioning poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the appropriate credentials, bonds, and coverage 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 homes, and both types of contractors can be certified or registered. Certified contractors are allowed 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 work with concrete.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering long transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its repair work. This exhibits belief in the quality and durability of the repairs and offers protection should problems develop later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor 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 cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reliable companies usually provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
- What do you see as the likely cause of my issues based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide unclear answers may be attempting to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners discover the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that provides high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues helps avoid further structural damage.