How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair business ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to conduct research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Find a local foundation repair provider with comprehensive experience fixing all types of foundations. It should have expertise in the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a company has served your area.
Reputation
Researching online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps you verify that a company consistently delivers good workmanship and a great customer experience. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about shoddy repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire providers that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both workers compensation and liability insurance. In North Dakota, contractors are licensed via the Secretary of State's office. Contractors must show proof of liability insurance when applying. Available classes of license are A, B, C, or D, depending on the size of the project a contractor is permitted to work on. For most residential foundation repair jobs, any license class should be sufficient. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a company that offers transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally lifetime guarantees, to back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates that they stand behind the quality of their repairs and offers protection if future issues arise.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- How long will the repairs realistically take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What type of warranties do you offer? Reputable companies typically offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- 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 trying to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What financing options do you offer? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting the details in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
- What exact repair method do you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may consider 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.
Taking the time to review foundation repair companies helps homeowners select the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that delivers high-quality, durable repairs. Swiftly tackling foundation problems helps avoid further structural damage.