How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair company to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do your research and focus on these important factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
Find a local foundation repair provider with extensive experience fixing all foundation types. It should have expertise in the latest repair methods and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps verify that a company regularly provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire providers that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both workers compensation and liability insurance. Texas does not have state-level licensing requirements for general contractors, 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 before signing a contract. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Choose a company that offers transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally lifetime guarantees, to fully back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates confidence in the quality of their work 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:
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What foundation flaws did you find 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 unneeded work.
- What repairs would you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as carbon fiber, steel piers, and wall anchors. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Reputable companies often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
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 provides durable, high-quality repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues helps prevent further structural damage.