How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair contractor 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 provider with a proven history of successfully fixing all foundation types. Technicians should have up-to-date knowledge of current repair materials and methods. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Spend time researching online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help verify that the company consistently delivers good workmanship and professionalism. Take note of any complaints mentioning faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both workers compensation and liability insurance. 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. 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 concrete work.
Warranties
Choose a company that offers transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally lifetime guarantees, to back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates confidence in the quality of their work and offers protection in case of future issues.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When comparing potential foundation repair companies, be sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- 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 attempting to bill you for extra work.
- What options do you offer for financing? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as carbon fiber, steel piers, and wall anchors. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- How long will repairs realistically take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What warranties do you provide? Reliable companies typically provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
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 long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Promptly addressing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.