How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair provider is important for properly evaluating the damage and completing repairs correctly. We suggest focusing on these main factors.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation provider with many years of successfully fixing all foundation types. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a company consistently provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has valid licenses, bonds, and insurance policies 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 confirm that a company holds a valid New York business license on this website. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally up to lifetime guarantees, to fully back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates that they stand behind the quality of their repairs and offers protection in case of future issues.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- 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 unneeded work.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Reputable companies will offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- What options do you offer for financing? 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 protect yourself from unexpected costs.
- What exact repair method would you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may offer 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.
Carefully evaluating foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that provides high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Swiftly tackling foundation problems helps avoid further structural damage.
