How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair company to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do thorough research and focus on these important factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation company with many years of successfully fixing all foundation types. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Reading through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps you verify that a provider consistently delivers quality work 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 liability and workers compensation insurance. In Ohio, only a few construction trades are required to be licensed at the state level: plumbers, HVAC contractors, electricians, hydronic technicians, and refrigeration installers. However, all businesses in Ohio must hold an active state business license. You should 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 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 faith that their repairs will be high-quality and long-lasting and provides protection should problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- What financing options do you offer? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What are some likely causes of my issues based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide unclear answers may be attempting to bill you for extra work.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- What exact repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may consider options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
Carefully evaluating foundation repair companies helps homeowners select 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.
