How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair company is important for accurately evaluating the damage and completing repairs correctly. We suggest focusing on these key factors.
Experience
We suggest looking for a local foundation repair company with a proven reputation for fixing various types of foundations. These companies should have expertise in the latest materials and techniques. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time checking online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers good workmanship and great customer service. Take note of any complaints mentioning faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both workers compensation and liability insurance. Contractor licensing in Oregon is handled by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. Contractors are required to pass an exam, and must be bonded and insured. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Look for a provider that offers lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its work. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues arise in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During your assessment of potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What guarantees do you provide? Reliable companies typically provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation flaws did you identify 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 attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- What options do you have for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
Taking time to vet foundation repair companies will help you identify the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely deliver durable, high-quality repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.
