How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair provider ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to do your research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with a proven history of successfully fixing foundations. Technicians should have extensive experience with current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Thoroughly reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a company consistently delivers high-quality work 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 right licenses, bonds, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. In Virginia, contractor licenses are handled by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Licenses can be class A, B, or C. This determines the value of projects that a contractor can work on. A license can also have one of several specialty classifications, which have individual examination and experience requirements in addition to the general license competency requirements. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements 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
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What repair method do you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may offer 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.
- What financing options do you offer? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- How long will the repairs realistically take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Reputable companies often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What foundation defects 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 an unclear answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
Thoroughly reviewing foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs durable, high-quality repairs. Repairing foundation problems quickly decreases the risk of future structural damage.