How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair business 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
Look for a reliable local foundation provider with many years of successfully fixing all foundation types. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Spend time checking online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers good workmanship and professionalism. Take note of any complaints mentioning poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a provider that has the proper licenses, bonds, and insurance policies for liability and workers' compensation. There are no state-level licensing requirements for general contractors in Pennsylvania; however, home improvement contractors need to register with the Attorney General's Office. Make sure you check with your city, county, or municipal government to learn whether there are local contractor licensing requirements. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering long transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its foundation repair work. This exhibits belief in the quality and durability of the repairs and offers protection should problems develop later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reputable providers usually provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected costs.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation defects 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 an unclear answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
Thoroughly evaluating foundation repair companies will help you identify the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely provide long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Promptly addressing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.