How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair contractor 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
Choose a well-established local provider with many years, ideally decades, of experience successfully handling all kinds of foundation repairs. These companies have specialized expertise using the latest materials and methods. Ask how long a company has been serving your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a company consistently provides good workmanship and great customer service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the right credentials, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. In Ohio, only a few construction trades are required to be licensed at the state level: plumbers, HVAC contractors, hydronic technicians, refrigeration installers, and electricians. However, all businesses in Ohio must hold an active state business license. You can also check with your city, county, or municipality to learn whether there are any local requirements. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Pick a company that offers transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its work. This displays confidence that the company's work is top-notch and provides protection should problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask detailed 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. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What foundation flaws 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 attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- What warranties do you offer? Reputable providers typically provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- What financing options do you offer? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Asking for a quote in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- How long will repairs realistically take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
Carefully reviewing foundation repair companies will help you locate the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely offer long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Promptly addressing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.
