How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair provider is important for accurately evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We recommend focusing on these key factors.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with many years of successfully fixing foundations. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Spend time checking online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers good workmanship and professionalism. Take note of complaints describing poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a company that has the right credentials, bonding, 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 contractor 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 concrete work.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides transferable coverage for a minimum of 10 years, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its repair work. This demonstrates that the company stands behind its work and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take? Look for providers 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 extra work.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected costs.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Reputable companies will offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
Thoroughly assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that provides long-lasting, durable repairs. Promptly fixing foundation problems helps avoid further structural damage.