How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair provider is important for accurately evaluating the damage and completing repairs correctly. We suggest focusing on these main factors.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with a proven history of successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. Technicians should have extensive experience with current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help confirm that a provider consistently delivers good workmanship and great customer service. Take note of complaints mentioning poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a company that has the correct licenses, bonding, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. In New York, general contractors do not have state-level licensing requirements, but there may be city or county regulations, so make sure that you check with your local government. You can look up a company's New York business license on this website. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
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
To compare foundation repair professionals, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What repairs would you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide 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.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected expenses.
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- 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 a vague answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of at least 10 years on labor and materials.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely completes long-lasting, quality repairs. Addressing foundation problems right away lowers the risk of future structural damage.