How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair business 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
Look for a reliable local foundation company with many years of successfully fixing all foundation types. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Reading through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps you confirm that a company consistently delivers good workmanship and a positive customer service experience. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has the proper licenses, bonds, and coverage plans for liability and workers' compensation. Texas does not have state-level licensing requirements for general contractors, although all contractors must hold a valid state business license. Your city, county, or municipality might have local licensing requirements, so be sure to verify this information prior to signing a contract. There may be additional requirements for contractors 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 work. This displays confidence that the company's work is top-notch and provides protection if problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps shield you from unexpected expenses.
- 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 a vague answer, it may be trying to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What financing options do you offer? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What exact repair method do you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may consider options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of at least 10 years on labor and materials.
Carefully evaluating foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that delivers high-quality, durable repairs. Promptly fixing foundation problems helps prevent further structural damage.
