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 key factors.
Experience
Choose a well-established local company with extensive experience successfully completing all manner of foundation repairs. These companies have specialized expertise with the latest methods and materials. Ask how long a company has been serving your area.
Reputation
Reading through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps you confirm that the company consistently delivers good workmanship and a positive customer service experience. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about shoddy repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a provider that has the correct licenses, bonding, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. The state government of Kentucky does not issue general contractor licenses – these licenses are granted by your local city, county, or municipality. You can confirm whether a company's business license is in good standing via the Secretary of State's website. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally lifetime guarantees, to 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
When examining potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask in-depth questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Reputable companies often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting the details in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What foundation defects did you identify 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 trying to bill you for extra work.
Thoroughly assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that offers high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Promptly fixing foundation problems helps avoid further structural damage.
