How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair contractor to properly assess issues and make appropriate repairs. Do your research and focus on these key factors when looking for the right company.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with significant experience in successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. 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
Reading through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps you confirm that a company consistently delivers quality work and a great customer experience. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
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 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 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
Choose a company that offers 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 in case of future issues.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What foundation flaws 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 extra work.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. 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 protect you from unexpected costs.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reliable companies usually provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs durable, high-quality repairs. Addressing foundation problems swiftly reduces the risk of future structural damage.