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 provider with significant experience in successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. Technicians should have up-to-date knowledge of current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Thoroughly reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and getting local references helps confirm that a provider consistently delivers top-notch workmanship 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. The state of Texas does not issue state-level general contractor licenses, although all contractors must hold a valid state business license. Your city, county, or municipal government may have local licensing requirements, so be sure to verify this information prior to signing a contract. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering transferable coverage for 10+ years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its foundation repair work. This exhibits confidence that the repairs will be effective and offers protection should problems develop later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Trustworthy providers will offer warranties of at least 10 years on materials and labor.
- 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 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 trying to bill you for extra work.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
Thoroughly reviewing foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs durable, high-quality repairs. Repairing foundation problems quickly decreases the risk of future structural damage.
