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 main factors.
Experience
Pick a local foundation repair provider with significant experience fixing all kinds of foundation problems. It should have expertise in the latest repair methods and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time reading through online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help verify that the company consistently delivers quality work and great customer service. Take note of any complaints mentioning faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a company that has the correct licenses, bonding, and coverage 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 obtain a license, a contractor must take a pre-licensing course, provide proof of liability insurance, and, if necessary, provide proof of workers' compensation insurance. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
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 services. This displays confidence that the company's work is top-notch and provides protection if problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting the details in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- How long will the repairs realistically take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Reputable companies typically offer warranties of at least 10 years on materials and labor.
- What do you see as the likely cause of my issues based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide unclear answers may be attempting to bill you for extra work.
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
Carefully assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs durable, long-lasting repairs. Repairing foundation problems right away lowers the risk of future structural damage.
