How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair company to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do thorough research and focus on these important factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
Pick a local foundation repair provider with comprehensive experience fixing all foundation types. It should have specialized knowledge of the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a company has served your area.
Reputation
Thoroughly 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 poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has the proper licenses, bonds, and insurance policies for liability and workers' compensation. In the state of Minnesota, licensure 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 must have a business license, must pass an exam, and must provide proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a provider 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 if future issues arise.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- 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 unneeded work.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may consider 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 warranties do you provide? Reliable companies typically provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
Taking the time to vet foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely completes durable, long-lasting repairs. Fixing foundation problems right away reduces the risk of future structural damage.