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
Pick a local foundation repair provider with deep experience fixing all types of foundations. It should have specialized knowledge of the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Researching online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps you verify that a 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
Choose a company that has the proper licenses, bonds, and coverage plans for liability and workers' compensation. New York does not have state-level licensing requirements for general contractors, but there may be regulations at the city or county level, so make sure that you check with your local government. You can look up a company's New York business license on this website. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Pick a provider that offers warranties of 10+ years that you can transfer to a new owner if you sell and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its foundation repair services. This displays confidence that the company's work is top-notch and provides protection if problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair professionals, you should ask specific questions such as:
- What are some likely causes of my issues based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide unclear answers may be trying to bill you for extra work.
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected costs.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reputable providers typically provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
Taking the time to review foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that provides high-quality, durable repairs. Swiftly tackling foundation problems helps avoid further structural damage.