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 conduct research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation provider with many years 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
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers good workmanship and professionalism. Take note of 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. In Virginia, contractor licenses are handled by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Licenses can be classified as A, B, or C, which determines the value of projects that a contractor can undertake. Licenses may also have specialty classifications, which have their own examination and experience requirements in addition to the general competency requirements for all licenses. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Pick a company that offers long transferable warranties for a minimum of 10 years 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 if problems come up later.
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 offer 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 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 a vague answer, it may be trying to bill you for extra work.
- What options do you have for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- How long will repairs realistically take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- 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 guarantees do you provide? Reliable companies generally provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
Thoroughly reviewing foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely delivers durable, high-quality repairs. Repairing foundation problems swiftly decreases the risk of future structural damage.