How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair business is important for accurately evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We suggest focusing on these main factors.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation company with a proven history of successfully fixing all foundation types. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps confirm that a company routinely provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. In Virginia, contractor licenses are issued by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Licenses can be class A, B, or C, which determines the value of projects that a contractor can undertake. A license can also have one of several specialty classifications, which have their own examination and experience requirements in addition to the general license competency requirements. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a company that offers long transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally up to lifetime guarantees, to fully back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates confidence in the quality of their work and offers protection in case of future issues.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask specific questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- 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 vague answers may be trying to bill you for unneeded work.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting the details in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Trustworthy providers typically offer warranties of at least 10 years on labor and materials.
- What financing options do you offer? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What repair method would you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may consider options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
Carefully evaluating foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that provides high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Swiftly tackling foundation problems helps avoid further structural damage.