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
Look for a reputable local foundation company with a proven history of successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. Technicians should have extensive experience with current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help confirm that a provider consistently delivers quality work and great customer service. Take note of any complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a provider that has the correct licenses, 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 classified as 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 experience and examination requirements on top of the general license competency requirements. There may be additional requirements for contractors 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 services. This displays confidence that the company's work is top-notch and provides protection should problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
While researching options for foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What exact repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may consider 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 flaws did you identify 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 unnecessary work.
- What type of guarantees are provided? Reputable companies often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
Taking time to vet foundation repair companies will help you select the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely provide durable, high-quality repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.
