How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair contractor to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do thorough research and focus on these key factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with a proven history of successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. Technicians should have up-to-date knowledge of current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Spend time reading through online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help confirm that the company consistently delivers quality work and professionalism. Take note of any complaints mentioning poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a provider that has the correct licenses, bonding, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. In Indiana, general contractor licenses are not handled at the state level, so you will need to verify a company or individual's license with your city or municipal government. You can confirm that a company's Indiana business license is in good standing on this website. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
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 faith that their repairs will be high-quality and long-lasting and provides protection should problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During the process of selecting foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What type of warranties do you offer? Trustworthy providers typically offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- What do you see as the likely cause of the problem based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide unclear answers may be trying to bill you for unneeded work.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- 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 options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs durable, long-lasting repairs. Repairing foundation problems quickly lowers the risk of future structural damage.