How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair contractor ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to conduct research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
We recommend choosing a local foundation repair company with a proven reputation for fixing various types of foundations. These companies should have deep knowledge of the latest materials and techniques. Ask providers how long they've served your area.
Reputation
Reading through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps you verify that the provider consistently delivers quality work and a great customer experience. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a company that has the correct licenses, bonding, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. According to the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board, state-level licensure is not required for general contracting, although state licensure may be required for electrical work, plumbing, inspections, or other specialized work. Be sure to 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 concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally up to lifetime guarantees, to back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates confidence in the quality of their work and offers protection if future issues arise.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During the process of selecting foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What financing options do you offer? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What guarantees do you provide? Reputable providers typically provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- 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 may be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers a vague answer, it may be trying to bill you for unneeded work.
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners discover the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that offers durable, high-quality repairs. Promptly fixing foundation issues helps prevent further structural damage.