How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair company to properly assess issues and make appropriate repairs. Do your research and focus on these important factors when looking for the right company.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation provider with many years of successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers quality work and professionalism. Take note of any complaints describing faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a provider that has valid licenses, bonding, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. Most general contractors in Idaho are required to register with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses Contractors Board (construction managers must be licensed via the Division of Building Safety). While there are no state-level licensing requirements, there may be local requirements set by your city or municipality. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers long transferable warranties of at least 10 years, 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
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected costs.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- What do you see as the likely cause of my issues based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide vague answers may be trying to bill you for extra work.
- How long will the repairs realistically take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
Taking the time to review foundation repair companies helps homeowners select the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that delivers long-lasting, durable repairs. Swiftly tackling foundation problems helps prevent further structural damage.
