How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Conduct research before beginning your foundation repair project in order to find the most qualified foundation repair provider. Here are the main factors we recommend considering.
Experience
Choose a well-established local company with extensive experience successfully handling all types of foundation repairs. These companies have specialized expertise with the latest materials and methods. Ask how long a company has served homes in your area.
Reputation
Spend time reading through online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help confirm that the company consistently delivers quality work and professionalism. Take note of complaints mentioning poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a company that has the right credentials, bonding, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. Texas does not have state-level licensing requirements for general contractors, although all contractors are required to hold a valid state business license. Your city, county, or municipal government might have local licensing requirements, so make sure to verify this information prior to signing a contract. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
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 faith that their repairs will be high-quality and long-lasting and provides protection if problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- What repairs would you recommend for this 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 foundation flaws did you find during inspection that could 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 extra work.
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected costs.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reliable companies typically provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- What financing options do you offer? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
Carefully evaluating foundation repair companies helps homeowners select the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that provides long-lasting, durable repairs. Swiftly tackling foundation problems helps avoid further structural damage.