How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair provider ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to conduct research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Choose a well-established local company with many years, ideally decades, of experience successfully handling all types of foundation repairs. These companies have specialized expertise using the latest methods and materials. Ask how long a company has been serving your area.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps confirm that a company regularly provides good workmanship and great customer service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the right licenses, bonds, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. In South Carolina, general contractors who work on residential homes might 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 must have two years of work experience, while residential builders must have at least a year. Both need to pass an exam and be bonded. Certain small projects may be exempt from licensing requirements. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Pick a company that offers warranties of 10+ years that you can transfer to a new owner if you sell and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its services. This displays confidence that the company's work is top-notch and provides protection should problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During the process of selecting foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected costs.
- What foundation flaws 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 extra work.
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- How long will repairs realistically take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What guarantees do you provide? Reputable providers usually provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
Thoroughly reviewing foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely completes long-lasting, quality repairs. Repairing foundation problems right away lowers the risk of future structural damage.
