How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair business 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
Look for a reliable local foundation provider with a proven history of successfully fixing all foundation types. Technicians should have up-to-date knowledge of current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a company routinely provides quality work and great customer service. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire providers that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both liability and workers compensation insurance. Licenses in Nevada are issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board. All contractors are required to maintain both a business license and a contractor license. A contractor license requires at least four years of experience in the last 15 years, and applicants must pass an exam. 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
During the process of selecting foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What warranties do you provide? Reliable companies typically provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting the details in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
- What exact repair method would you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may consider options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What foundation defects did you identify during inspection that could be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers an unclear answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
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 long-lasting, durable repairs. Swiftly tackling foundation problems helps prevent further structural damage.