How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair company to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do thorough research and focus on these factors when looking for the right company.
Experience
We recommend hiring a local foundation repair provider with a proven reputation for fixing various kinds of foundation problems. These companies should have expertise in the latest techniques and materials. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps confirm that a company regularly provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has the right licenses, bonds, and coverage plans for liability and workers' compensation. There is no state-level licensing in Illinois; you'll need to verify local requirements with your city or municipal government. 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 work with concrete.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering transferable coverage for 10+ years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its foundation repair work. This exhibits confidence that the repairs will be effective and offers protection should problems develop later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What do you see as the likely cause of the problem 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 unnecessary work.
- What exact repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may consider 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.
- What guarantees do you provide? Reliable companies generally provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What financing options do you offer? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected costs.
Carefully evaluating foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that provides high-quality, durable repairs. Swiftly tackling foundation problems helps avoid further structural damage.