How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair company is important for accurately evaluating the damage and completing repairs correctly. We recommend focusing on these key factors.
Experience
Look for a local foundation repair company with comprehensive experience fixing all foundation types. It should have expertise in the latest repair methods and materials. Ask how long a company has served your area.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps confirm that a company consistently provides good workmanship and good service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the appropriate credentials, bonds, and coverage 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 municipal government may have local licensing requirements, so make 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 10 years, 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
During your assessment of potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask in-depth questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting the details in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- 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 an unclear answer, it may be trying to bill you for extra work.
- What repairs would you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What type of warranties are provided? Trustworthy providers typically offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners discover the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that delivers durable, high-quality repairs. Promptly fixing foundation issues reduces the risk of further structural damage.