How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair provider is important for accurately evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We recommend focusing on these key factors.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation provider with significant experience in successfully fixing foundations. Technicians should have up-to-date knowledge of current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Reading through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps you verify that the provider consistently delivers quality work and a positive customer service experience. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the appropriate licenses, bonds, and coverage 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 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 work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a provider that offers lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its foundation repairs. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair professionals, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What exact repair method do you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- 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 trying to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What guarantees do you provide? Reliable companies usually provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
Thoroughly reviewing foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely completes durable, high-quality repairs. Fixing foundation problems quickly reduces the risk of future structural damage.