How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair provider 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
Look for a local foundation repair company with significant experience fixing all foundation types. It should have specialized knowledge of the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a company regularly provides quality work and great customer service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a provider that has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance policies 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 by local governments. You can verify a company's business license on this website. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers transferable warranties of at least a decade, 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
During the process of selecting foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What do you see as the likely cause of my issues 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 unneeded work.
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
Carefully evaluating 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 high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Promptly fixing foundation problems helps avoid further structural damage.