How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair provider ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to do your research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Look for a reliable local foundation company 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 it’s served your community.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps confirm that a company consistently provides good workmanship and great customer service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a provider that has valid licenses, bonds, and coverage plans for liability and workers' compensation. In Washington, there are no state-level licensing requirements for contractors, but they must register with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. To register, contractors must be bonded and insured. Be sure to check with your city or county government to learn about any additional local requirements. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Look for a provider that offers transferable coverage for a minimum of 10 years, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its repair work. 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
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected costs.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What exact repair method do you recommend for my specific situation and why? Your provider may offer options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What warranties do you offer? Reputable providers usually provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- What foundation flaws did you identify during inspection that may 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.
Carefully evaluating foundation repair companies helps homeowners select the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that offers high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Swiftly tackling foundation problems helps prevent further structural damage.