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 conduct research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Choose a well-established local company with extensive experience successfully handling all types of foundation repairs. These providers have specialized expertise with the latest materials and methods. Ask how long a company has been serving your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps verify that a company regularly provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both liability and workers compensation insurance. Nebraska has no state-level licensing requirements for general contractors, but all contractors are required to register with the Department of Labor. A contractor may receive an exemption if they make less than $5,000 a year. Any contracting company that has multiple employees must show proof of workers' compensation insurance to register. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering transferable coverage for 10+ years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its repair work. This exhibits confidence that the repairs will be effective and offers protection should problems develop later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What repairs would you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps shield you from unexpected expenses.
- Realistically, how long will repairs 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 unneeded work.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reputable providers usually provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
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 high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Promptly fixing foundation issues helps prevent further structural damage.