How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair contractor 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 a proven history of successfully fixing foundations. Technicians should have extensive experience with current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps confirm that a company routinely provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire providers that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both liability and workers compensation insurance. In Virginia, contractor licenses are issued by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Licenses can be class A, B, or C. This determines the value of projects that a contractor can work on. Licenses may also have specialty classifications, which have their own examination and experience requirements on top of the general license competency requirements. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally up to lifetime guarantees, to back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates confidence in the quality of their work and offers protection if future issues arise.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What type of warranties are provided? Reputable companies will offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected costs.
- 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 attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- What financing options do you offer? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
Thoroughly reviewing foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely performs durable, long-lasting repairs. Addressing foundation problems right away reduces the risk of future structural damage.