How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair business is important for properly evaluating the damage and completing repairs correctly. We suggest focusing on these key factors.
Experience
We suggest looking for a local foundation repair company with a long history of fixing various kinds of foundation problems. These companies should have expertise in the latest materials and techniques. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time checking online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers quality work and great customer service. Take note of complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a provider that has valid licenses, bonds, and insurance policies for liability and workers' compensation. 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 work with concrete.
Warranties
Choose a company that offers long 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 if future issues arise.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What foundation defects 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 an unclear answer, it may be trying to bill you for unnecessary work.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reliable companies generally provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- What financing options do you offer? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
Thoroughly reviewing foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely delivers durable, high-quality repairs. Addressing foundation problems swiftly lowers the risk of future structural damage.