How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair provider is important for accurately evaluating the damage and completing repairs correctly. We recommend focusing on these key factors.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with many years of successfully fixing all foundation types. Technicians should have extensive experience with current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help confirm that the company consistently delivers quality work and professionalism. Take note of complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both liability and workers compensation insurance. According to the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board, state-level licensure is not required for general contracting, although state licensure may be required for plumbing, inspections, electrical work, or other specialized work. Make sure that you check with your local government to learn whether there are any city or county licensing requirements. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to 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
As you evaluate potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- What guarantees do you offer? Reliable companies generally provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- What repair method would you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may offer 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.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected costs.
- 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 a vague answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- What financing options do you offer? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
Thoroughly evaluating foundation repair companies will help you locate the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely provide high-quality, durable repairs. Promptly addressing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.