How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair provider ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to conduct research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Choose a well-established local provider with many years, ideally decades, of experience successfully completing all manner of foundation repairs. These providers have specialized expertise using the latest methods and materials. Ask how long a company has served homes in your area.
Reputation
Spend time reading through online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers quality work and great customer service. Take note of any complaints mentioning 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. 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 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 you with compensation of 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 company that offers warranties of 10+ years that you can transfer to a new owner if you sell and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its foundation repair services. This displays faith that their repairs will be high-quality and long-lasting and provides protection should problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- What warranties do you provide? Reliable companies generally provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- What repairs would you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as carbon fiber, steel piers, and wall anchors. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting the details in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
- What options do you have for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What foundation defects 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 a vague answer, it may be trying to bill you for unnecessary work.
Taking the time to vet foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs durable, high-quality repairs. Addressing foundation problems right away reduces the risk of future structural damage.