How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair contractor ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to do your research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
We recommend hiring a local foundation repair provider with a long history of fixing various foundation issues. These companies should have deep knowledge of the latest materials and techniques. 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 verify that the company consistently delivers good workmanship and professionalism. Take note of any complaints mentioning poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a provider that has valid licenses, bonds, and coverage plans for liability and workers' compensation. There are no state-level general contractor licenses in Missouri (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 concrete work.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides transferable coverage for a minimum of 10 years, or preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its repair work. 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:
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- 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 vague answers may be attempting to bill you for unnecessary work.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Asking for a quote in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reliable companies typically 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.
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 provides durable, high-quality repairs. Promptly fixing foundation issues reduces the risk of further structural damage.
