How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Conduct research before beginning your foundation repair project, so you can find the most qualified foundation repair provider. Here are the main factors you should consider.
Experience
We recommend looking for a local foundation repair company with a well-established track record of fixing various types of foundations. These companies should have expertise in the latest materials and techniques. Ask providers how long they've served your area.
Reputation
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help confirm that a provider consistently delivers good workmanship and professionalism. Take note of any complaints mentioning faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a provider that has the right licenses, bonding, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. In Massachusetts, your foundation expert will need to be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) by the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Additionally, most jobs will require at least one individual to hold a Construction Supervisor's License. Work done by registered HICs is backed by the Guaranty Fund, which can provide you with compensation up to $10,000 if your contractor is unable to reimburse you for damages sustained. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Pick a provider that offers transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its services. 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 providers, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What repair method would you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- 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.
- What warranties do you offer? Reliable companies typically provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
Thoroughly evaluating foundation repair companies will help you locate the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely provide long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.