How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair company to properly assess issues and make appropriate repairs. Do thorough research and focus on these key factors when looking for the right company.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with many years of successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. Technicians should have extensive experience with current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Carefully reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and getting local references helps confirm that a provider consistently delivers top-notch workmanship and good customer service. Pay attention to any complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance 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
Pick a company that offers transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its foundation repair services. This displays confidence that the company's work is top-notch and provides protection if problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During your assessment of potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- 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 attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reputable providers generally provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may provide 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.
- How long will the repairs realistically take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
Carefully reviewing foundation repair companies will help you identify the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely deliver durable, high-quality repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.