How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Conduct research before beginning your foundation repair project in order to find the most qualified foundation repair provider. Here are the main factors you should consider.
Experience
Look for a well-established local provider with extensive experience successfully completing all kinds of foundation repairs. These providers have specialized expertise with the latest materials and methods. Ask how long a company has been serving your area.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps verify that a company regularly provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the right licenses, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. In Wisconsin, your contractor will probably hold a Dwelling Contractor license from the Department of Safety and Professional Services. To receive a license, a contractor must show proof of either general liability insurance or a bond. If applicable, a contractor must also have workers' compensation insurance. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Choose a company that offers long transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally up to lifetime guarantees, to fully back their foundation repairs. This demonstrates confidence in the quality of their work and offers protection if future issues arise.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During the process of selecting foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting quotes in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- What foundation flaws did you identify during inspection that could 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.
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- What warranties do you offer? Reputable providers generally provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- 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. 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.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners find the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that provides high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Promptly fixing foundation issues reduces the risk of further structural damage.