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 looking for a local foundation repair company with a proven reputation for fixing various types of foundations. These companies should have expertise in the latest materials and techniques. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Thoroughly reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and getting local references helps verify that a provider consistently delivers high-quality work and good customer service. Pay attention to any complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance 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 regulations are established at the city, county, or municipal 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
Look for a company that provides lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its 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 companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- 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 trying to bill you for extra work.
- What exact repair method would you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may consider 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.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected costs.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reliable companies usually provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
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 provides high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Promptly fixing foundation issues helps avoid further structural damage.