How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Do thorough research before starting your foundation repair project in order to find the most qualified foundation repair company. Here are the main factors you should consider.
Experience
Look for a local foundation repair provider with deep experience fixing all foundation types. It should have specialized knowledge of the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a company consistently provides quality work and great customer service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the right credentials, 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
Look for a company that provides lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its foundation repairs. This demonstrates that the company stands behind its work and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide 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.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation flaws did you identify during inspection that could 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 guarantees do you offer? Reputable providers generally provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected costs.
- What options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely completes durable, long-lasting repairs. Fixing foundation problems quickly decreases the risk of future structural damage.