How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair company 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
Find a local foundation repair company with comprehensive experience fixing all foundation types. It should have specialized knowledge of the latest repair methods and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Thoroughly reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and getting local references helps verify that a provider consistently delivers high-quality work and great service. Pay attention to any complaints about shoddy repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a provider that has valid licenses, bonds, and coverage plans for liability and workers' compensation. In South Carolina, general contractors who perform residential work may be licensed by the Contractor's Licensing Board (if they also do commercial work) or the Residential Builders Commission (if they only do residential work). General contractors are required to have two years of work experience, while residential builders need at least a year. Both must pass an exam and be bonded. Certain small projects can be exempt from licensing requirements. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers long transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally up to 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
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- What financing options do you offer? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- 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 attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- What repairs would you recommend for my 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.
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of at least 10 years on labor and materials.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners discover the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that offers high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues helps prevent further structural damage.
