How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair business is important for accurately evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We recommend focusing on these key factors.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation company with a proven history of successfully fixing all foundation types. Technicians should have extensive experience with current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps confirm that a company consistently provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both liability and workers compensation insurance. In New York, general contractors do not have state-level licensing requirements, but there may be city or county regulations, so make sure that you 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 concrete work.
Warranties
Pick a company that offers transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its 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
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of at least 10 years on labor and materials.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting the details in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- 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 attempting to bill you for extra work.
- What repairs would you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
Thoroughly evaluating foundation repair companies will help you locate the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely offer high-quality, durable repairs. Promptly addressing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.