How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair company to properly assess issues and make appropriate repairs. Do thorough research and focus on these important factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with significant experience in successfully fixing all foundation types. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps confirm that a company regularly provides quality work and great customer service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a provider that has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance policies for liability and workers' compensation. General contractor licenses in Georgia are issued by the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. Contractors need to provide 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 concrete work.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering long transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its foundation services. This exhibits belief in the quality and durability of the repairs and offers protection should problems develop later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting the details in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- What warranties do you provide? Reputable providers usually provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- What foundation defects 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 attempting to bill you for extra work.
- What repair method do you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as carbon fiber, steel piers, and wall anchors. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What financing options do you offer? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take to complete? Look for companies 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 delivers long-lasting, quality repairs. Repairing foundation problems quickly lowers the risk of future structural damage.