How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair business is important for properly evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We suggest focusing on these main factors.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation company with many years of successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help confirm that the company consistently delivers quality work and professionalism. Take note of complaints describing faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. Contractors in Maryland must be licensed through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission, a division of the Department of Labor. To be licensed, an individual must have two years of experience, must pass an exam, and must hold general liability insurance. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering transferable coverage for 10+ years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its foundation services. This exhibits confidence that the repairs will be effective and offers protection should problems develop later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting the details in writing helps shield you from unexpected expenses.
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation flaws did you find 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 attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- What options do you have for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Reputable companies will offer warranties of at least 10 years on labor and materials.
Taking the time to vet foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs durable, high-quality repairs. Repairing foundation problems quickly decreases the risk of future structural damage.