How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair contractor to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do thorough research and focus on these factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with a proven history 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 it’s served your community.
Reputation
Thoroughly reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a provider consistently delivers high-quality work and good customer service. Pay attention to any complaints about shoddy repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance policies for liability and workers' compensation. Pennsylvania does not require general contractors to hold state-level licensure; however, home improvement contractors are required to register with the Attorney General's Office. Make sure you check with your city or county government to find out if there are local licensing requirements for contractors. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a provider that offers lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its work. This demonstrates that the company stands behind its work and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What type of warranties do you offer? Reputable companies often offer warranties of at least 10 years on materials and labor.
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- 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.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting quotes in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
Carefully evaluating foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that provides high-quality, durable repairs. Promptly fixing foundation problems helps avoid further structural damage.
