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 suggest focusing on these main factors.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with significant experience in successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps confirm that a company regularly 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 professional you hire has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. In Ohio, only a few construction trades are required to be licensed at the state level: electricians, HVAC contractors, hydronic technicians, plumbers, and refrigeration installers. However, all Ohio businesses must have an active state business license. You should also check with your city, county, or municipality to learn whether there are local regulations. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Pick a company that offers warranties of 10+ years that you can transfer to a new owner if you sell and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its services. 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 professionals, 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 costs.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Trustworthy providers typically offer warranties of at least 10 years on materials and labor.
- What foundation defects did you find 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 financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What repair method would you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
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 long-lasting, durable repairs. Promptly fixing foundation problems helps avoid further structural damage.