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 key factors.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation provider with many years of successfully fixing foundations. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps confirm that a company routinely provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a provider that has valid credentials, bonding, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. 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 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 provider that offers long 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
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What foundation flaws 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 extra work.
- What repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. 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 expenses.
- What options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What warranties do you offer? Reliable companies typically provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs durable, long-lasting repairs. Fixing foundation problems swiftly lowers the risk of future structural damage.
