How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair business is important for properly evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We recommend focusing on these main factors.
Experience
Find a local foundation repair company with deep experience fixing all types of foundations. It should have expertise in the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a company has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time checking online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers quality work and professionalism. Take note of complaints describing poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the right licenses, bonds, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. In the state of Minnesota, licensure is managed by the Department of Labor and Industry. Your contractor will likely possess a Residential Builder license. To get one, an individual must have a business license, must pass an exam, and must show proof of workers' compensation and general liability insurance. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a provider that offers transferable coverage for a minimum of 10 years, or preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its foundation repairs. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When examining potential foundation repair companies, make sure to 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 an unclear answer, it may be trying to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. 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 guarantees do you offer? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected costs.
- How long will the repairs realistically take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners discover the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that delivers long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Promptly fixing foundation issues helps prevent further structural damage.