How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair company is important for accurately evaluating the damage and completing repairs correctly. We recommend focusing on these key factors.
Experience
Look for a local foundation repair provider with comprehensive experience fixing all foundation types. It should have expertise in the latest repair methods and materials. Ask how long a company has served your area.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps confirm that a company consistently provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the right licenses, bonds, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. There are no state-level licensing requirements for general contractors in Pennsylvania; however, home improvement contractors must register with the Attorney General's Office. You should check with your county or city 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
Choose a provider that offers long 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 in case of future issues.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
As you evaluate potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- 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 unneeded work.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reputable providers generally provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- What financing options do you offer? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What exact repair method do you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
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 provides long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Promptly fixing foundation issues helps avoid further structural damage.