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 do your research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Choose a well-established local provider with many years, ideally decades, of experience successfully handling all types of foundation repairs. These providers have specialized expertise with the latest materials and methods. Ask how long a company has served homes in 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 great customer experience. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the appropriate licenses, bonds, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. In the state of Maine, general contracting requirements are determined at the county, city, or municipality level, and you'll need to check with your local government to find out what requirements exist in your area. You can verify a Maine business license on 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 10 years, ideally up to lifetime guarantees, to back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates that they stand behind the quality of their repairs and offers protection if future issues arise.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Asking for a quote in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- What repairs would you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What warranties do you provide? Reliable companies usually provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- What foundation defects did you identify during inspection that may be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers a vague answer, it may be trying to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- How long will repairs realistically take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
Thoroughly evaluating foundation repair companies will help you locate the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely deliver durable, high-quality repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.