How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair business is important for properly evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We recommend focusing on these main factors.
Experience
Find a local foundation repair provider with comprehensive experience fixing all kinds of foundation problems. It should have expertise in the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a company has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time reading through online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers quality work and great customer service. Take note of any complaints mentioning poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the appropriate licenses, bonds, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. Contractor licensing in Oregon is handled by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. To obtain a license, contractors must pass an exam, and must be bonded and insured. 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 back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates confidence in the quality of their work and offers protection in case of future issues.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What are some likely causes of my issues based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide vague answers may be attempting to bill you for extra work.
- What guarantees do you provide? Reputable providers typically provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What exact repair method would you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, 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? Make sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected costs.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs 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 offer long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Promptly addressing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.