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
Look for a reputable local foundation provider with many years of successfully fixing all foundation types. Technicians should have extensive experience with current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Spend time checking online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help confirm that the company consistently delivers good workmanship and great customer service. Take note of complaints describing faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a provider that has the proper licenses, bonds, and insurance policies for liability and workers' compensation. The government of Illinois does not have any state-level general contractor licensing requirements; you'll need to verify local requirements with your city or municipal government. You can determine if a company's business registration is in good standing on the Secretary of State's website. 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 up to lifetime guarantees, to 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
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask specific questions such as:
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
- What foundation flaws did you identify during inspection that could 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.
- What guarantees do you provide? Reputable providers generally provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- What exact repair method would you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs durable, long-lasting repairs. Fixing foundation problems right away lowers the risk of future structural damage.