How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Research thoroughly before beginning your foundation repair project in order to find the most qualified foundation repair company. Here are the main factors you should consider.
Experience
Find a local foundation repair company with comprehensive experience fixing all kinds of foundation problems. It should have expertise in the latest repair techniques and materials. Ask how long a company 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 quality work and professionalism. Take note of any complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire providers that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both workers compensation and liability insurance. There are no state-level licensing requirements for contractors in Washington, but all must register with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Registration requires contractors to be bonded and insured. Be sure to check with your city or county government to find out if there are any additional local requirements. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its work. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues arise in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
As you evaluate potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as wall anchors, steel piers, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What warranties do you provide? Reliable companies generally provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- What financing options do you offer? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What foundation flaws did you find during inspection that may be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers a vague answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected costs.
Thoroughly assessing foundation repair companies helps homeowners identify the ideal match for their needs. A provider that can answer the questions above is likely one that provides high-quality, durable repairs. Swiftly tackling foundation problems helps avoid further structural damage.