How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair provider ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to do your research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Pick a local foundation repair provider with significant 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
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps confirm that a company routinely provides quality work and great customer service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the right 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
Pick a company 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 services. This displays confidence that the company's work is top-notch and provides protection if problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During your assessment of potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask specific questions such as:
- What foundation defects 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 a vague answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reliable companies generally provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What options do you have for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners discover the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that offers durable, high-quality repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues helps avoid further structural damage.