How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair contractor to properly assess issues and make appropriate repairs. Do your research and focus on these factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
Pick a local foundation repair company with significant experience fixing all kinds of foundation problems. It should have expertise in the latest repair methods and materials. Ask how long a company has served your area.
Reputation
Carefully reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and getting local references helps confirm that a provider consistently delivers high-quality work and good customer service. Pay attention to any complaints about shoddy repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a company that has valid credentials, 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 verify the standing of a company's New York business license on this website. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Choose a company that offers transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates confidence in the quality of their work and offers protection in case of future issues.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During the process of selecting foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting the details in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What guarantees do you provide? Reliable companies typically provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What foundation flaws did you find during inspection that may 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 extra work.
Carefully reviewing foundation repair companies will help you locate the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely offer durable, high-quality repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.