How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair company to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do your research and focus on these important factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
We recommend hiring a local foundation repair company with a proven reputation for fixing various foundation issues. These companies should have deep knowledge of the latest materials and techniques. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps verify that a company regularly provides quality work and great customer service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the appropriate licenses, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. In Michigan, licenses are issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Your contractor will most likely have a Residential Builder license. LARA also provides a guide for homeowners who are looking to hire a contractor. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers long transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates confidence in the quality of their work and offers protection if future issues arise.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What foundation defects did you identify during inspection that may 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.
- What type of warranties are provided? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of at least 10 years on labor and materials.
- What repair method do 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.
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- 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 identify the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely offer long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Promptly addressing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.