How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Do thorough research before beginning your foundation repair project in order to find the most qualified foundation repair provider. Here are the main factors we recommend considering.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with significant experience in successfully fixing foundations. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers quality work and professionalism. Take note of any complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the right licenses, bonds, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. In Montana, there are no state-level licensing requirements for general contractors, but all contractors with employees must register with the Department of Labor and Industry, and independent contractors have the option to register as well. Before hiring a contractor, you should check whether there are any local licensing requirements in your city, county, or municipality. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers long transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally lifetime guarantees, to back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates confidence in the quality of their work and offers protection in case of future issues.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When examining potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask precise questions such as:
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- 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 a vague answer, it may be attempting to bill you for extra work.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of at least 10 years on materials and labor.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What exact repair method would you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider 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 project scope and cost estimate in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected costs.
Taking the time to vet foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs durable, high-quality repairs. Repairing foundation problems quickly reduces the risk of future structural damage.