How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair company is important for properly evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We suggest focusing on these main factors.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with a proven history of successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. 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 verify that a provider consistently delivers good workmanship and professionalism. Take note of any complaints describing faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire providers that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both workers compensation and liability insurance. Illinois does not have any state-level 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. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering long transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its repair work. This exhibits belief in the quality and durability of the repairs and offers protection should problems develop later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected costs.
- What options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What exact repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may consider options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. 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.
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reliable companies usually provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs durable, high-quality repairs. Repairing foundation problems quickly reduces the risk of future structural damage.