How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair provider 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 looking for a local foundation repair provider with a long history of fixing various kinds of foundation problems. These companies should have expertise in the latest techniques and materials. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Researching online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps you verify that the provider consistently delivers good workmanship and a positive customer service experience. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about shoddy repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the right credentials, bonds, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. New York does not have state-level licensing requirements for general contractors, but there may be city or county regulations, so be sure to check with your local government. You can confirm that a company holds a valid New York business license on this website. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a provider that offers transferable coverage for a minimum of 10 years, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its foundation repairs. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality 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:
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation defects 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 an unclear answer, it may be trying to bill you for unneeded work.
- What repair method would you recommend for my 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.
- What financing options do you offer? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected costs.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reputable providers typically provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely delivers durable, long-lasting repairs. Repairing foundation problems swiftly reduces the risk of future structural damage.