How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair contractor to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do thorough research and focus on these factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
Look for a local foundation repair company with significant experience fixing all kinds of foundation problems. It should have specialized knowledge of the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a company has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time reading through online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help confirm that a provider consistently delivers quality work and professionalism. Take note of complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a provider that has the right licenses, bonding, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. Missouri does not offer state-level general contracting licenses (although an individual may hold a professional engineering license from the Division of Professional Regulation). General contracting regulations are established 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
Choose a provider that offers transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates that they stand behind the quality of their repairs and offers protection in case of future issues.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
As you evaluate potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask specific questions such as:
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Asking for a quote in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- 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 a vague answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
- How long will the repairs realistically take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What financing options do you offer? 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 offer long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.