How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair company is important for properly evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We recommend focusing on these main factors.
Experience
Pick a local foundation repair provider with significant experience fixing all foundation types. It should have specialized knowledge of the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help verify that the company consistently delivers good workmanship and great customer service. Take note of any complaints describing faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a provider that has the right licenses, bonds, and coverage plans for liability and workers' compensation. Contractors in Iowa that earn more than $2,000 a year from a trade must register with the Iowa Division of Labor. There are no state-level license requirements; licensing is handled at the city or municipal level. 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, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its repair work. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues arise in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask specific questions such as:
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repair method would you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may consider options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reliable companies typically provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- What foundation flaws 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 options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners find the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that provides long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues helps avoid further structural damage.