How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair contractor ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to do your research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with significant experience in successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Reading through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps you confirm that a provider consistently delivers quality work and a great customer experience. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about shoddy repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a company that has valid credentials, bonding, and coverage 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 municipality might have local licensing requirements, so be sure to verify this information before signing a contract. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers long transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally lifetime guarantees, to back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates that they stand behind the quality of their repairs and offers protection if future issues arise.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- What exact repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself 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 attempting to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Reputable companies often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
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 offers long-lasting, durable repairs. Promptly fixing foundation problems helps prevent further structural damage.
