How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair business 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 suggest looking for a local foundation repair provider with a well-established track record of fixing various foundation issues. These companies should have expertise in the latest materials and techniques. Ask providers how long they've served your area.
Reputation
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers quality work and professionalism. Take note of complaints mentioning faulty repairs or poor service.
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 an individual may need a state license for inspections, electrical work, plumbing, or other specialized projects. Make sure that you check with your local government to find out if there are any license requirements at the city or county level. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its work. This demonstrates that the company stands behind its work and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair professionals, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What warranties do you offer? Reliable companies 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 expenses.
- What foundation flaws 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 an unclear answer, it may be trying to bill you for unnecessary work.
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repair method do you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may consider 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 financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs durable, high-quality repairs. Repairing foundation problems swiftly decreases the risk of future structural damage.