How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair company 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
We recommend choosing a local foundation repair company with a proven reputation for fixing various foundation issues. These companies should have deep knowledge of the latest materials and techniques. Ask providers how long they've served your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a company routinely provides quality work and great customer service. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance 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 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
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 confidence in the quality of their work and offers protection in case of future issues.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When examining potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask in-depth questions such as:
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation defects did you identify during inspection that may be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers a vague answer, it may be trying to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Asking for a quote in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as carbon fiber, steel piers, and wall anchors. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reliable companies usually provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners find the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that delivers high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Promptly fixing foundation issues reduces the risk of further structural damage.
