How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair company is important for properly evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We recommend focusing on these key factors.
Experience
We suggest hiring a local foundation repair company with a long history of fixing various types of foundations. These companies should have expertise in the latest techniques and materials. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Researching online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps you confirm that a company consistently delivers good workmanship and a great customer experience. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about shoddy repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the appropriate credentials, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. In South Carolina, general contractors who work on residential homes can be licensed by the Contractor's Licensing Board (if they also work on commercial jobs) 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 are required to pass an exam and be bonded. Certain small projects might be exempt from licensing requirements. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides transferable coverage for a minimum of 10 years, or preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its work. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues arise in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
While researching options for foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What type of guarantees are provided? Trustworthy providers will offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- 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 a vague answer, it may be trying to bill you for unneeded work.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely delivers durable, high-quality repairs. Repairing foundation problems right away reduces the risk of future structural damage.
