How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Conduct research before starting your foundation repair project in order to find the most qualified foundation repair company. Here are the main factors you should consider.
Experience
We recommend looking for 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 how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps confirm that a company consistently provides good workmanship and good service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the appropriate credentials, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. 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
Choose a provider that offers transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to fully 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
As you evaluate potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask specific questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What exact repair method would you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may consider 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 foundation defects did you identify during inspection that may 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 extra work.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What type of warranties do you offer? Trustworthy providers will offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners find the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that offers long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues helps prevent further structural damage.