How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair company to properly assess issues and make appropriate repairs. Do thorough research and focus on these important factors when looking for the right company.
Experience
Choose a well-established local provider with extensive experience successfully completing all manner of foundation repairs. These companies have specialized expertise with the latest materials and methods. Ask how long a company has been serving your area.
Reputation
Spend time reading through online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help confirm that the company consistently delivers quality work and professionalism. Take note of complaints mentioning poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a company that has the right licenses, bonding, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. In the state of Minnesota, general contractor licensing is handled by the Department of Labor and Industry. In most cases, your foundation contractor will have a Residential Builder license. To obtain this, an individual needs to have a business license, must pass an exam, and must provide proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers 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 if future issues arise.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
As you evaluate potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask precise questions such as:
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Asking for a quote in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
- 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 unneeded work.
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What warranties do you provide? Reputable providers typically provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
- What financing options do you offer? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
Carefully evaluating foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that delivers high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Swiftly tackling foundation problems helps prevent further structural damage.
