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
We recommend hiring a local foundation repair provider with a well-established track record of fixing various foundation issues. These companies should have expertise in the latest materials and techniques. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time checking online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers good workmanship and professionalism. Take note of complaints describing poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire providers 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. In addition to this registration, most jobs 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 compensation up to $10,000 if there are issues and your contractor is unable to pay. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering long transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its foundation repair work. This exhibits belief in the quality and durability of the repairs and offers protection should problems develop later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation defects did you find during inspection that may 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 extra work.
- What type of warranties are provided? Reputable companies will offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What exact repair method would you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
Taking time to vet foundation repair companies will help you select the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely offer durable, high-quality repairs. Promptly addressing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.
