How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair contractor ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to do your research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Choose a well-established local company with many years, ideally decades, of experience successfully handling all types of foundation repairs. These providers have specialized expertise with the latest methods and materials. Ask how long a company has been serving your area.
Reputation
Spend time checking online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help confirm that a provider consistently delivers good workmanship and great customer service. Take note of any complaints mentioning poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a provider that has the right credentials, bonding, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. General contractor licenses in Florida are managed by the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. Both General and Residential Contractors can work 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
Pick a provider that offers warranties of 10+ years that you can transfer to a new owner if you sell and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its services. This displays faith that their repairs will be high-quality and long-lasting and provides protection should problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair professionals, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What warranties do you offer? Reputable providers generally provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What options do you have for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What are some likely causes of the problem based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide vague answers may be attempting to bill you for unnecessary work.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected expenses.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners find the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that offers high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues helps prevent further structural damage.
