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 recommend focusing on these main factors.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation company with many years of 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
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help confirm that a provider consistently delivers good workmanship and great customer service. Take note of complaints mentioning poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a provider that has the proper licenses, bonds, and insurance policies for liability and workers' compensation. There are no state-level contractor licensing requirements in Texas, although all contractors are required to hold a valid state business license. Your city, county, or municipal government may have local licensing requirements, so make sure to verify this information prior to signing a contract. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its work. This demonstrates that the company stands behind its work and safeguards you if issues arise in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation defects 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 a vague answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What repairs would you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor 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 options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected costs.
- What type of warranties are provided? Trustworthy providers will offer warranties of at least 10 years on materials and labor.
Carefully reviewing foundation repair companies will help you identify the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely offer high-quality, durable repairs. Promptly addressing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.
