How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair business is important for accurately evaluating the damage and completing repairs correctly. We suggest focusing on these main factors.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with a proven history of successfully fixing foundations. Technicians should have up-to-date knowledge of current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Thoroughly reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and getting local references helps confirm 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 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 check with your city or municipal government to learn about any local requirements. You can verify a company's business registration on the Secretary of State's website. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a company that offers transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally up to lifetime guarantees, to fully back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates confidence in the quality of their work 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 type of warranties do you offer? Trustworthy providers will offer warranties of at least 10 years on materials and labor.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- What options do you have for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What exact repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- How long will repairs realistically take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- 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.
Thoroughly evaluating foundation repair companies will help you select the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely deliver long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Promptly addressing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.
