How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair company to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do thorough research and focus on these factors when looking for the right company.
Experience
Pick a local foundation repair provider with extensive 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
Carefully reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a company consistently delivers top-notch workmanship and great service. Pay attention to any complaints about shoddy repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the appropriate licenses, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. Your foundation repair expert 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 is required to take a pre-licensing class, show proof of liability insurance, and, if necessary, provide proof of workers' compensation insurance. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Pick a company that offers warranties of 10+ years that you can transfer to a new owner if you sell and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its foundation repair services. This displays faith that their repairs will be high-quality and long-lasting and provides protection should problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- 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 unneeded work.
- What exact repair method do you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may consider 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.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Trustworthy providers typically offer warranties of at least 10 years on materials and labor.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected expenses.
Thoroughly evaluating foundation repair companies will help you locate the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely provide high-quality, durable repairs. Promptly addressing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.
