How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
You need a good foundation repair company to accurately evaluate issues and make appropriate repairs. Do your research and focus on these important factors when selecting the right company.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation company with a proven history of successfully fixing foundations. Technicians should have expert-level understanding of current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Carefully reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and getting 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
It's important to select a provider that has the right credentials, bonding, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. Contractor licenses in Virginia 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 work on. A license can also have one of several specialty classifications, which have individual experience and examination requirements in addition to the general competency requirements for all licenses. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally up to lifetime guarantees, to back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates that they stand behind the quality of their repairs and offers protection in case of future issues.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When examining potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask in-depth questions such as:
- What foundation defects did you identify during inspection that could be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers a vague answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide 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.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Trustworthy providers typically offer warranties of at least 10 years on labor and materials.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you 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.
