How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Conduct research before beginning your foundation repair project in order to find the most qualified foundation repair company. Here are the main factors we recommend considering.
Experience
Choose a well-established local provider with a long track record of experience successfully handling all manner of foundation repairs. These providers have specialized expertise with the latest methods and materials. Ask how long a company has served homes in your area.
Reputation
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help verify that the company consistently delivers quality work and great customer service. Take note of 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. Pennsylvania does not have state-level licensing requirements for general contractors; however, home improvement contractors must register with the Attorney General's Office. You should check with your county or city government to find out if there are local licensing requirements for contractors. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering transferable coverage for 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
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask specific questions such as:
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Trustworthy providers typically offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
- What do you see as the likely cause of my issues 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 unnecessary work.
- What financing options do you offer? 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 shield you from unexpected costs.
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
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. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.