How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair contractor to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do your research and focus on these key factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation company with many years of successfully fixing foundations. Technicians should have extensive experience with current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps confirm that a company regularly provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has valid licenses, bonds, and insurance policies for liability and workers' compensation. In the state of 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. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides transferable coverage for a minimum of 10 years, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its repair work. This demonstrates that the company stands behind its work and safeguards you if issues arise in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During the process of selecting foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What type of warranties are provided? Trustworthy providers will offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
- What are some likely causes of the problem based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide vague answers may be trying to bill you for unnecessary work.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners find the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that delivers long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues reduces the risk of further structural damage.