How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Conduct research before starting your foundation repair project, so you can find the most qualified foundation repair company. Here are the main factors we recommend considering.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation provider with a proven history of successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. Technicians should have up-to-date knowledge of current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Carefully reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and getting local references helps confirm that a company 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 provider that has valid credentials, bonding, 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. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Choose a company 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 detailed questions such as:
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may offer 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.
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What warranties do you offer? Reliable companies usually provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- What are some likely causes of the problem based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide vague answers may be trying to bill you for unneeded work.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners discover the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that provides high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Promptly fixing foundation issues reduces the risk of further structural damage.