How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair business is important for accurately evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We suggest focusing on these main factors.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation provider with many years of successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. Technicians should have extensive experience with current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Carefully reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and getting local references helps confirm that a provider consistently delivers top-notch workmanship and good customer service. Pay attention to any complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the appropriate licenses, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. Pennsylvania does not have state-level licensing requirements for general contractors; however, home improvement contractors must register with the Attorney General's Office. Don't forget to check with your city or county government to learn whether there are local licensing requirements for contractors. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
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 foundation repair services. This displays faith that their repairs will be high-quality and long-lasting and provides protection if problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Reputable companies will offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- What repairs would you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What foundation flaws did you find during inspection that may be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers a vague answer, it may be trying to bill you for unneeded work.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs durable, long-lasting repairs. Repairing foundation problems swiftly reduces the risk of future structural damage.
