How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair provider is important for accurately evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We suggest focusing on these key factors.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation provider with many years of successfully fixing foundations. Technicians should have extensive experience with current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Spend time checking online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help verify that the company consistently delivers good workmanship and professionalism. Take note of complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the right credentials, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. In all of Tennessee, contractors require a Prime (General) Contractor license from the Department of Commerce & Insurance for projects worth $25,000 or more. In Marion, Hamilton, Haywood, Shelby, Knox, Rutherford, Bradley, Robertson, and Davidson counties, contractors must also have a Home Improvement license for home improvement projects between $3,000 and $25,000. The former requires an exam, while the latter does not. Both licenses require proof of insurance. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Pick a provider 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 foundation repair 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
While researching options for foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation flaws did you find 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 unnecessary work.
- What options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected costs.
- What guarantees do you provide? Reliable companies generally provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
Taking time to vet foundation repair companies will help you locate the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely deliver high-quality, durable repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.
