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
Pick a local foundation repair provider with extensive experience fixing all types of foundations. It should have specialized knowledge of the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Thoroughly reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and getting local references helps verify that a provider consistently delivers high-quality work and great service. Pay attention to any complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a provider that has the correct credentials, bonding, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. The state of Kentucky does not issue general contractor licenses; these are handled by local city, county, or municipal governments. You can confirm whether a contracting company has a valid business license on the Secretary of State's website. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Pick a provider 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 work. This displays confidence that the company's work is top-notch and provides protection if problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair professionals, you should ask specific questions such as:
- What guarantees do you provide? Reputable providers typically provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected expenses.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What foundation flaws 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 a vague answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unnecessary work.
Thoroughly reviewing foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely completes durable, long-lasting repairs. Repairing foundation problems quickly lowers the risk of future structural damage.