How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair business is important for accurately evaluating the damage and completing repairs correctly. We suggest focusing on these key factors.
Experience
Find a local foundation repair provider with extensive experience fixing all kinds of foundation problems. It should have expertise in the latest repair methods and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps verify that a company consistently provides good workmanship and good service. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a company that has valid licenses, bonding, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. There are only a few construction trades required to be licensed at the state level in Ohio: electricians, refrigeration installers, HVAC contractors, plumbers, and hydronic technicians. However, all Ohio businesses must possess an active state business license. You should also check with your city, county, or municipality to find out if there are any local requirements. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
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 if problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as carbon fiber, steel piers, and wall anchors. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What do you see as the likely cause of the problem based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide vague answers may be trying to bill you for unneeded work.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reliable companies typically provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
Thoroughly assessing 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 high-quality, durable repairs. Promptly fixing foundation problems helps avoid further structural damage.
