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 factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
Find a local foundation repair company with comprehensive experience fixing all kinds of foundation problems. It should have expertise in the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time checking online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help confirm that the company consistently delivers good workmanship and professionalism. Take note of any complaints mentioning faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the appropriate credentials, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. Contractors in New Jersey must provide proof of liability insurance and register as a Home Improvement Contractor with the Division of Consumer Affairs Besides this, there aren't any state-level licensing requirements, but you should be sure to check with your city, county, or municipal government to learn about any local regulations. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides transferable coverage for a minimum of 10 years, or preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its work. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues arise in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair professionals, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Asking for a quote in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What foundation flaws did you find 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 trying to bill you for unneeded work.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What warranties do you provide? Reliable companies generally provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely completes durable, high-quality repairs. Repairing foundation problems right away reduces the risk of future structural damage.