How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair contractor 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
We recommend choosing a local foundation repair company with a proven reputation for fixing various foundation issues. These companies should have deep knowledge of the latest materials and techniques. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Reading through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps you verify that the company consistently delivers quality work and a positive customer service experience. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about shoddy repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both workers compensation and liability insurance. In New York, general contractors do not have state-level licensing requirements, but there may be regulations at the city or county level, so make sure that you check with your local government. You can confirm that a company holds a valid New York business license on this website. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its 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 professionals, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What repair method do you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reputable providers generally provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- What are some likely causes of the problem based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide unclear answers may be attempting to bill you for extra work.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Asking for a quote in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
Thoroughly assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that delivers high-quality, durable repairs. Promptly fixing foundation problems helps prevent further structural damage.
