How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair contractor to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do thorough research and focus on these important factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
Pick a local foundation repair company with comprehensive experience fixing all kinds of foundation problems. It should have specialized knowledge of the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a company has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time checking online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help confirm that a provider consistently delivers good workmanship and professionalism. Take note of any complaints mentioning poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the right credentials, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. Your foundation repair technician will most likely be licensed as a specialty contractor by the Utah Department of Commerce Division of Professional Licensing. To become licensed, a contractor is required to take a pre-licensing course, provide proof of liability insurance, and, if applicable, provide proof of workers' compensation insurance. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering transferable coverage for 10+ years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its foundation services. This exhibits belief in the quality and durability of the repairs and offers protection should problems develop later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
While researching options for foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- How long will the repairs realistically take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Asking for a quote in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- What type of warranties are provided? Reputable companies typically offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide 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.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What foundation defects did you identify 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 trying to bill you for unnecessary work.
Carefully reviewing foundation repair companies will help you locate the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely offer long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Promptly addressing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.
