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 suggest focusing on these key factors.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation provider with significant experience in successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. Technicians should have extensive experience with current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a company regularly provides good workmanship and great customer service. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a provider that has the correct licenses, bonding, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. In Oregon, contractor licensing is handled by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. To obtain a license, 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
Pick a provider that offers warranties of 10+ years that you can transfer to a new owner if you sell and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its foundation repair services. This displays faith that their repairs will be high-quality and long-lasting and provides protection should problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair professionals, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What options do you have for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting the details in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
- What warranties do you offer? Reputable providers typically provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What are some likely causes of the problem based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide unclear answers may be trying to bill you for unneeded work.
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
Carefully reviewing foundation repair companies will help you select the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely offer high-quality, durable repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.
