How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair company is important for accurately evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We recommend focusing on these main factors.
Experience
We recommend looking for a local foundation repair company with a well-established track record of fixing various foundation issues. These companies should have deep knowledge of the latest techniques and materials. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time checking online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help confirm that a provider consistently delivers quality work and great customer service. Take note of any complaints mentioning faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both liability and workers compensation insurance. In the state of Minnesota, these licenses are 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 workers' compensation and general liability insurance. 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 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 examining potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask in-depth questions such as:
- What foundation flaws 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 attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Trustworthy providers often 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 shield you from unexpected costs.
- What repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
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 high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues helps prevent further structural damage.