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 well-established local company with extensive experience successfully completing all types of foundation repairs. These companies have specialized expertise with the latest materials and methods. Ask how long a company has been serving your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps confirm that a company regularly provides good workmanship and great customer service. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. Your foundation repair professional will most likely be licensed as a specialty contractor by the Utah Department of Commerce Division of Professional Licensing. To receive this license, a contractor must take a pre-licensing course, demonstrate proof of liability insurance, and, if necessary, provide proof of workers' compensation insurance. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, or preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its repair work. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
While researching options for foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What repair method would you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider 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 do you see as the likely cause of the problem based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide vague answers may be trying to bill you for extra work.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What guarantees do you provide? Reputable providers usually provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting the details in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
Taking the time to vet foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely completes durable, long-lasting repairs. Addressing foundation problems swiftly decreases the risk of future structural damage.
