How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair company ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to do your research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with a proven history of successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Reading through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps you confirm that the company consistently delivers good workmanship and a great customer experience. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about shoddy repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the appropriate licenses, bonds, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. The state government of Indiana does not handle general contractor licensing, so you will need to verify licensure with your city or municipal government. You can check whether an Indiana company has a business license in good standing on this website. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to fully back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates confidence in the quality of their work and offers protection in case of future issues.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During your assessment of potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask specific questions such as:
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What type of warranties do you offer? Trustworthy providers will offer warranties of at least 10 years on materials and labor.
- 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 an unclear answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- What repairs would you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. 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 complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting the details in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
Thoroughly reviewing foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely delivers durable, high-quality repairs. Addressing foundation problems quickly reduces the risk of future structural damage.