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 do your research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Look for a well-established local provider with extensive experience successfully handling all kinds of foundation repairs. These companies have specialized expertise using the latest methods and materials. Ask how long a company has served homes in your area.
Reputation
Thoroughly reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps confirm that a company consistently delivers high-quality work and good customer service. Pay attention to any complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the appropriate credentials, bonds, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. There are no state-level licensing requirements for general contractors in New York, but there may be city or county regulations, so be sure to check with your local government. You can verify the standing of a company's New York business license on this website. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers long transferable warranties of at least a decade, 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
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask specific questions such as:
- What repairs would you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting the details in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- 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 type of warranties are provided? Trustworthy providers typically offer warranties of at least 10 years on materials and labor.
- What foundation defects 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 an unclear answer, it may be trying to bill you for unnecessary work.
Taking the time to vet foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs long-lasting, quality repairs. Repairing foundation problems right away decreases the risk of future structural damage.