How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair business is important for accurately evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We suggest focusing on these key factors.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation provider with many years of successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. Technicians should have extensive experience with current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Carefully reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and getting local references helps verify that a company consistently delivers high-quality work and great service. Pay attention to any complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a provider that has the right licenses, bonds, and coverage plans for liability and workers' compensation. There are no state-level contractor licensing requirements in Texas, although all contractors must hold a valid state business license. Your city, county, or municipal government may have local licensing requirements, so be sure that you verify this information before signing a contract. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering long transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its repair work. This exhibits belief in the quality and durability of the repairs and offers protection should problems develop later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- How long will repairs realistically take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What guarantees do you offer? Reliable companies typically provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
- 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 attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- What exact repair method do you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
Taking the time to vet foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely completes long-lasting, quality repairs. Fixing foundation problems swiftly decreases the risk of future structural damage.