How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair company is important for properly evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We suggest focusing on these main factors.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation provider with significant experience in successfully fixing foundations. Technicians should have up-to-date knowledge of current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long the business has served your community.
Reputation
Spend time checking online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers good workmanship and professionalism. Take note of complaints describing poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has the right licenses, bonds, and coverage plans for liability and workers' compensation. In Virginia, contractor licenses are issued by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Licenses can be classified as A, B, or C. This 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 work with concrete.
Warranties
Pick a company that offers warranties of 10+ years that you can transfer to a new owner if you sell and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its services. This displays faith that their repairs will be high-quality and long-lasting and provides protection if problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During the process of selecting foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What warranties do you offer? Reputable providers generally provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What foundation flaws did you find during inspection that could be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers an unclear answer, it may be trying to bill you for extra work.
- What exact repair method would you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting quotes in writing helps shield you from unexpected expenses.
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 offer durable, high-quality repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.
