How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair company ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to conduct research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Choose a well-established local company with many years, ideally decades, of experience successfully completing all manner of foundation repairs. These providers have specialized expertise with the latest methods and materials. Ask how long a company has served homes in your area.
Reputation
Thoroughly reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a company consistently delivers high-quality work and good customer service. Pay attention to any complaints about shoddy repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance policies for liability and workers' compensation. General contractor licenses in Georgia are handled by the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. Contractors are required to show proof of general liability insurance, pass an exam, and have workers' compensation insurance (if applicable). There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Pick a provider that offers transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade 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
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- 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 unneeded work.
- What financing options do you offer? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting quotes in writing helps shield you from unexpected expenses.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What type of warranties are provided? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of at least 10 years on materials and labor.
Carefully reviewing foundation repair companies will help you locate the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely offer long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Promptly addressing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.