How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair company 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
Find a local foundation repair provider with deep experience fixing all types of foundations. It should have specialized knowledge of the latest repair methods and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps verify that a company routinely provides quality work and great customer service. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has valid licenses, bonds, and coverage plans for liability and workers' compensation. Washington does not have state-level licensing requirements for contractors, but they must register with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Contractors must be bonded and insured in order to register. Be sure to check with your city, county, or municipal government to find out if there are any additional local regulations. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Pick a provider that offers long transferable warranties for a minimum of 10 years and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its services. 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
As part of your research into foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What guarantees do you provide? Reliable companies usually provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as carbon fiber, steel piers, and wall anchors. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What are some likely causes of the problem based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide vague answers may be attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected expenses.
Taking time to vet foundation repair companies will help you identify the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely offer high-quality, durable repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.