How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Do thorough research before beginning your foundation repair project in order to find the most qualified foundation repair provider. Here are the main factors you should consider.
Experience
Look for a local foundation repair company with comprehensive experience fixing all foundation types. It should have expertise in the latest repair methods and materials. Ask how long a company has served your area.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps verify that a company regularly provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a provider that has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance policies for liability and workers' compensation. In Ohio, only a few construction trades are required to be licensed at the state level: plumbers, refrigeration installers, hydronic technicians, HVAC contractors, and electricians. However, all businesses in Ohio are required to hold an active state business license. You should also check with your city, county, or municipality to find out if there are any local regulations. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering long transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its foundation services. 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 providers, you should ask specific questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What exact repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What type of warranties are provided? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Asking for a quote in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- 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 unneeded work.
Carefully reviewing foundation repair companies will help you identify the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely provide high-quality, durable repairs. Promptly addressing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.