How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair company 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
We suggest choosing a local foundation repair provider with a well-established track record of fixing various types of foundations. These companies should have deep knowledge of the latest techniques and materials. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Carefully reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and getting local references helps confirm that a company consistently delivers high-quality work and good customer service. Pay attention to any complaints about shoddy repairs or poor service.
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 managed by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Your contractor will likely possess 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 work with concrete.
Warranties
Choose a company 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
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Reputable companies will offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What repair method would you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected costs.
- 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 attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
Carefully reviewing foundation repair companies will help you locate the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely offer durable, high-quality repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.