How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Research thoroughly before starting your foundation repair project in order to find the most qualified foundation repair company. Here are the main factors to consider.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with many years of successfully fixing foundations. Technicians should have up-to-date knowledge 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 verify that a company consistently provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both liability and workers compensation insurance. In Florida, general contractor licenses are managed by the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. Both General and Residential Contractors can complete projects on residential houses, and both types of contractors can be certified or registered. Certified contractors are allowed 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 work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its work. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What foundation defects did you find during inspection that may be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers an unclear answer, it may be attempting to bill you for extra work.
- What repairs would you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
Thoroughly reviewing foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely completes durable, long-lasting repairs. Fixing foundation problems quickly lowers the risk of future structural damage.
