How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Do thorough research before starting your foundation repair project in order to find the most qualified foundation repair company. Here are the main factors to consider.
Experience
Look for a well-established local company with a long track record of experience successfully completing all kinds of foundation repairs. These providers have specialized expertise using the latest materials and methods. Ask how long a company has been serving your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a company routinely provides good workmanship and good service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has the right 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 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
Look for a provider that offers lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, or preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its foundation repairs. This demonstrates that the company stands behind its work and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair professionals, you should ask specific questions such as:
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- 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. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What warranties do you provide? Reliable companies typically provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation defects did you find 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 financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
Thoroughly assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners select the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that delivers high-quality, durable repairs. Promptly fixing foundation problems helps prevent further structural damage.
