How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair contractor to properly assess issues and make appropriate repairs. Do your research and focus on these factors when looking for the right company.
Experience
We recommend looking for a local foundation repair company with a well-established track record of fixing various kinds of foundation problems. These companies should have expertise in 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 verify that a company routinely provides good workmanship and good service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the appropriate credentials, bonds, and insurance 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 requirements are handled at the local level. You can verify a company's business license on this website. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Pick a company that offers warranties of 10+ years that you can transfer to a new owner if you sell and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its foundation repair services. This displays faith that their repairs will be high-quality and long-lasting and provides protection if problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repair method would you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as carbon fiber, steel piers, and wall anchors. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What foundation flaws did you find during inspection that could be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers a vague answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting the details in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- What warranties do you offer? Reputable providers usually provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
Carefully reviewing foundation repair companies will help you identify the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely provide high-quality, durable repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.