How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair company to properly assess issues and make appropriate repairs. Do your research and focus on these key factors when looking for the right company.
Experience
Pick a local foundation repair company with comprehensive experience fixing all foundation types. It should have expertise in the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a company has served your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps confirm that a company routinely provides quality work and great customer service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both workers compensation and liability insurance. Contractors in Iowa that earn over $2,000 a year from a trade are required to register with the Iowa Division of Labor. There are no state-level license requirements; licensing is handled by your local city or municipal government. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, or preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its foundation repairs. 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:
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected costs.
- What are some likely causes of the problem based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide unclear answers may be attempting to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What type of warranties are provided? Trustworthy providers typically offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
- How long will repairs realistically take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
Carefully assessing 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 right away decreases the risk of future structural damage.