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
Look for a reliable local foundation company with a proven history of successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. 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 good workmanship 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 the right licenses, bonding, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. In Ohio, only a few construction trades are required to be licensed at the state level: plumbers, refrigeration installers, electricians, hydronic technicians, and HVAC contractors. However, all businesses in Ohio are required to possess an active state business license. You can also check with your city, county, or municipal government to learn whether there are local requirements. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering transferable coverage for 10+ years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its repair work. This exhibits belief in the quality and durability of the repairs and offers protection should problems develop later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask specific questions such as:
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Asking for a quote in writing helps shield you from unexpected expenses.
- What foundation defects did you find during inspection that may 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 repair method do you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What warranties do you offer? Reputable providers usually provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
Thoroughly assessing 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, long-lasting repairs. Promptly fixing foundation problems helps prevent further structural damage.
