How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair contractor 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 company with extensive experience successfully completing all manner of foundation repairs. These providers have specialized expertise with the latest materials and methods. Ask how long a company has been serving your area.
Reputation
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers good workmanship and great customer service. Take note of any complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. Contractors in the state of Maryland must be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission, under the Department of Labor. To get licensed, an individual must have two years of experience, must pass an exam, and must provide proof of general liability insurance. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a provider that offers lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its foundation repairs. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask specific questions such as:
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as carbon fiber, steel piers, and wall anchors. 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 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 attempting to bill you for extra work.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What warranties do you offer? Reputable providers generally provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- How long will repairs realistically take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
Carefully evaluating foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that delivers high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Promptly fixing foundation problems helps prevent further structural damage.