How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair contractor to properly assess issues and make appropriate repairs. Do thorough research and focus on these factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation provider with many years of successfully fixing all foundation types. Technicians should have up-to-date knowledge of current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps confirm that a company consistently provides good workmanship and great customer service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both liability and workers compensation insurance. In Massachusetts, a contractor who works on residential foundations needs 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 have a Construction Supervisor's License. Work done by registered HICs is backed by the Guaranty Fund, which can provide 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
Choose a provider that offers long transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally lifetime guarantees, to fully back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates confidence in the quality of their work and offers protection in case of future issues.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During the process of selecting foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What do you see as the likely cause of my issues based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide unclear answers may be trying to bill you for unnecessary work.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected costs.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reputable providers generally provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
- What repair method would you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may consider options such as carbon fiber, steel piers, and wall anchors. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What financing options do you offer? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
Thoroughly evaluating foundation repair companies will help you identify the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely provide durable, high-quality repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.
