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 suggest looking for a local foundation repair provider with a well-established track record of fixing various kinds of foundation problems. These companies should have expertise in the latest techniques and materials. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time reading through online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help confirm that a provider consistently delivers good workmanship and professionalism. Take note of complaints mentioning faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both workers compensation and liability insurance. New York does not have state-level licensing requirements for general contractors, but there may be regulations at the city or county level, 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. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Look for a provider that offers lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its repair work. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During the process of selecting foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- 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 an unclear answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What type of warranties are provided? Trustworthy providers typically offer warranties of at least 10 years on materials and labor.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting quotes in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
Thoroughly reviewing foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs durable, high-quality repairs. Fixing foundation problems swiftly reduces the risk of future structural damage.