How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair business is important for accurately evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We recommend focusing on these key factors.
Experience
We recommend hiring a local foundation repair company with a well-established track record of fixing various kinds of foundation problems. These companies should have deep knowledge of the latest materials and techniques. Ask providers how long they've served your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps confirm that a company routinely provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both liability and workers compensation insurance. In Ohio, there are only a few construction trades required to be licensed at the state level: refrigeration installers, electricians, hydronic technicians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors. However, all Ohio businesses must hold an active state business license. You can also check with your city, county, or municipality to learn whether there are local regulations. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering long transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its repair work. This exhibits confidence that the repairs will be effective and offers protection should problems develop later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask specific questions such as:
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may consider options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation defects did you identify during inspection that may be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers a vague answer, it may be attempting to bill you for extra work.
- What type of warranties do you offer? Trustworthy providers will offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
Thoroughly assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that provides high-quality, durable repairs. Promptly fixing foundation problems helps prevent further structural damage.
