How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair company is important for accurately evaluating the damage and completing repairs correctly. We suggest focusing on these main factors.
Experience
Pick a local foundation repair company with deep experience fixing all types of foundations. It should have expertise in the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time checking online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help confirm that a provider consistently delivers good workmanship and great customer service. Take note of complaints describing poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the appropriate licenses, bonds, and coverage for liability and workers' compensation. There are no state-level licensing requirements for contractors in Washington, but all must register with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Contractors must be bonded and insured in order to register. You can check with your city or county government to learn about any additional local requirements. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides transferable coverage for a minimum of 10 years, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its foundation repairs. This demonstrates that the company stands behind its work and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Asking for a quote in writing helps shield you from unexpected expenses.
- What are some likely causes of my issues based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide vague answers may be trying to bill you for extra work.
- What repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Trustworthy providers often offer warranties of at least 10 years on materials and labor.
- How long will repairs realistically take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
Thoroughly assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners find the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that delivers long-lasting, durable repairs. Swiftly tackling foundation problems helps prevent further structural damage.