How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair provider 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
Choose a well-established local provider with many years, ideally decades, of experience successfully completing all types 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
Researching online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps you confirm that the provider consistently delivers good workmanship and a great customer experience. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire providers that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both liability and workers compensation insurance. The state government of Kentucky does not issue general contractor licenses – these licenses are granted by your local city, county, or municipality. You can verify that 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
Look for a provider that offers lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its work. This demonstrates that the company stands behind its work and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair professionals, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What repairs would you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- 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 unneeded work.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What type of warranties do you offer? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of at least 10 years on labor and materials.
Thoroughly reviewing foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs long-lasting, quality repairs. Repairing foundation problems swiftly reduces the risk of future structural damage.