How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair company 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
We suggest hiring a local foundation repair provider with a proven reputation for fixing various kinds of foundation problems. These companies should have expertise in the latest materials and techniques. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Researching online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps you verify that the provider consistently delivers quality work and a great customer experience. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about shoddy 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 handled by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Licenses come in classes A, B, or C, which determines the value of projects that a contractor can complete. 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. 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 back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates that they stand behind the quality of their repairs and offers protection if future issues arise.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair professionals, you should ask specific questions such as:
- What do you see as the likely cause of the problem based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide unclear answers may be trying to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What options do you have for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What warranties do you provide? Reputable providers usually provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting the details in writing helps protect you from unexpected costs.
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners discover the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that provides durable, high-quality repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues helps avoid further structural damage.
