How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair contractor to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do your research and focus on these important factors when looking for the right company.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation provider with a proven history 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
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps confirm that a company routinely provides quality work and great customer service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has the proper licenses, bonds, and coverage plans 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 requirements are established by your local government. You can verify a company's business license on this website. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Pick a company that offers long transferable warranties for a minimum of 10 years and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its services. This displays faith that their repairs will be high-quality and long-lasting and provides protection should problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair professionals, you should ask specific questions such as:
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps shield you from unexpected expenses.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What guarantees do you provide? Reliable companies typically provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- What foundation flaws did you find 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.
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 offers long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Promptly fixing foundation issues helps avoid further structural damage.
