How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair business is important for properly evaluating the damage and completing repairs correctly. We recommend focusing on these key factors.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation company with many years of successfully fixing all foundation types. Technicians should have extensive experience with current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Spend time checking online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help verify that the company consistently delivers quality work and great customer service. Take note of complaints describing faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a provider that has the right licenses, bonds, and coverage plans for liability and workers' compensation. In New Jersey, contractors must register as a Home Improvement Contractor by submitting proof of liability insurance to the Division of Consumer Affairs Beyond this, there are no state-level licensing requirements, but you should be sure to speak with someone from your city, county, or municipal government to learn about local regulations. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a provider that offers lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its repair work. This demonstrates that the company stands behind its work and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may consider options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected costs.
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Trustworthy providers will offer warranties of at least 10 years on labor and materials.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What are some likely causes of the problem based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide vague answers may be attempting to bill you for extra work.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely completes long-lasting, quality repairs. Repairing foundation problems right away lowers the risk of future structural damage.