How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair business is important for properly evaluating the damage and completing repairs correctly. We suggest focusing on these key factors.
Experience
We recommend looking for a local foundation repair company with a long history of fixing various types of foundations. These companies should have deep knowledge of the latest materials and techniques. Ask providers how long they've served your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps confirm that a company routinely provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance policies for liability and workers' compensation. In Missouri, there is no state-level general contractor license (although an individual may hold a professional engineering license from the Division of Professional Regulation). General contracting regulations are established by your local government. You can verify a company's business license on this website. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a provider that offers lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, or preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its foundation repairs. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues arise in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During the process of selecting foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What do you see as the likely cause of the problem based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide unclear answers may be trying to bill you for unneeded work.
- What type of warranties are provided? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of at least 10 years on labor and materials.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
Taking the time to vet foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely delivers durable, high-quality repairs. Fixing foundation problems right away reduces the risk of future structural damage.