How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair contractor to properly assess issues and make appropriate repairs. Do thorough research and focus on these factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
Pick a local foundation repair provider with comprehensive experience fixing all types of foundations. It should have expertise in the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a company routinely provides quality work and great customer service. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both liability and workers compensation insurance. 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 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 company that offers long transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to 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
While researching options for foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What warranties do you offer? Reliable companies generally provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? 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 unnecessary work.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners find the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that offers long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues helps prevent further structural damage.