How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Conduct research before starting your foundation repair project, so you can find the most qualified foundation repair company. Here are the main factors you should consider.
Experience
Choose a well-established local provider with extensive experience successfully handling all types of foundation repairs. These providers have specialized expertise using the latest materials and methods. Ask how long a company has been serving your area.
Reputation
Spend time reading through online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help verify that the company consistently delivers quality work and great customer service. Take note of any complaints mentioning faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both workers compensation and liability insurance. Florida general contractor licenses are handled by the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. Both General and Residential Contractors can work on residential homes, and both 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. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a company that offers long transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally lifetime guarantees, to fully back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates that they stand behind the quality of their repairs and offers protection if future issues arise.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During the process of selecting foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- 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 attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- What guarantees do you provide? Reliable companies typically provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What options do you have for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected costs.
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
Thoroughly assessing 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. Promptly fixing foundation problems helps avoid further structural damage.
