How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair company is important for accurately evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We suggest focusing on these main factors.
Experience
We recommend looking for a local foundation repair company with a well-established track record of fixing various types of foundations. These companies should have deep knowledge of the latest materials and techniques. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
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 describing faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has the proper licenses, bonds, and coverage plans for liability and workers' compensation. There are no state-level licensing requirements for contractors in Washington, but they must register with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Contractors must be bonded and insured in order to register. Make sure to check with your city, county, or municipal government to learn about any additional local requirements. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Pick a provider that offers transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its work. This displays faith that their repairs will be high-quality and long-lasting and provides protection should problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When examining potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask precise questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will repairs take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What foundation defects 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 a vague answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What 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 options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What guarantees do you provide? Reputable providers generally provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners find the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that delivers long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues reduces the risk of further structural damage.
