How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair contractor to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do your research and focus on these factors when looking for the right company.
Experience
Pick a local foundation repair company with significant experience fixing all types of foundations. It should have expertise in the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a company has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help confirm that the company consistently delivers quality work and great customer service. Take note of any complaints describing poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a company that has the correct licenses, bonding, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. In the state of Florida, general contractor licenses are handled by the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. Both General and Residential Contractors can complete projects 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 long transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally up to 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
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
- What exact repair method would you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may consider options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting the details in writing helps shield you from unexpected expenses.
- What financing options do you offer? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- How long will the repairs realistically take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation defects did you identify during inspection that may 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 extra work.
Carefully reviewing foundation repair companies will help you locate the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely deliver durable, high-quality repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.