How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair company to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do your research and focus on these factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
Pick a local foundation repair company with deep experience fixing all kinds of foundation problems. It should have expertise in the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time checking online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help confirm that the company consistently delivers good workmanship and professionalism. Take note of complaints describing poor service or faulty repairs.
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, refrigeration installers, electricians, hydronic technicians, and HVAC contractors. However, all businesses in Ohio are required to possess an active state business license. You should 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 concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a company that offers long transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally lifetime guarantees, to fully back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates that they stand behind the quality of their repairs and offers protection if future issues arise.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask specific questions such as:
- What repairs would you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting the details in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What warranties do you provide? Reputable providers typically provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
- What foundation flaws 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 an unclear answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners find the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that delivers durable, high-quality repairs. Promptly fixing foundation issues reduces the risk of further structural damage.