How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair business ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to conduct research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
We recommend choosing a local foundation repair provider with a long history of fixing various kinds of foundation problems. These companies should have deep knowledge of the latest materials and techniques. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a company routinely provides good workmanship and great customer service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a provider that has the proper licenses, bonds, and coverage plans for liability and workers' compensation. In Iowa, contractors that earn more than $2,000 a year from their trade must register with the Iowa Division of Labor. There aren't any state-level license requirements; licensing is handled by your local city or municipal government. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Pick a company that offers warranties of 10+ years that you can transfer to a new owner if you sell 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
To compare foundation repair professionals, you should ask specific questions such as:
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What warranties do you provide? Reliable companies generally provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- What financing options do you offer? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What foundation defects did you find during inspection that may be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers an unclear answer, it may be trying to bill you for unneeded work.
- What repair method would you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs durable, long-lasting repairs. Addressing foundation problems swiftly reduces the risk of future structural damage.