How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Research thoroughly before beginning your foundation repair project, so you can find the most qualified foundation repair company. Here are the main factors we recommend considering.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company with a proven history of successfully fixing foundations. Technicians should have extensive experience with current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Thoroughly reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and getting local references helps confirm that a provider consistently delivers top-notch workmanship and good customer service. Pay attention to any complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a provider that has the right credentials, bonding, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. In Washington, there are no state-level licensing requirements for contractors, but all must register with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. To register, contractors must be bonded and insured. You can check with your city, county, or municipal government to learn about any additional local regulations. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a company that offers transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally lifetime guarantees, to fully back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates that they stand behind the quality of their repairs and offers protection in case of future issues.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What options do you have for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What repair method do you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Getting quotes in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- 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 attempting to bill you for extra work.
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What warranties do you offer? Reliable companies generally provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
Carefully reviewing foundation repair companies will help you select the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely deliver durable, high-quality repairs. Promptly addressing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.