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
Choose a well-established local provider with a long track record of experience successfully completing all kinds of foundation repairs. These providers have specialized expertise using the latest methods and materials. Ask how long a company has been serving your area.
Reputation
Spend time reading through online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references. This will help confirm that the company consistently delivers good workmanship and professionalism. Take note of complaints mentioning poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any company you hire has the appropriate licenses, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. Wyoming only licenses electricians at the state level, which means that you will need to check with your local city, county, or municipality to find out what requirements exist for general contractors in your area. You can find out whether a company has a valid business license via the Secretary of State's website. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Choose a provider that offers long transferable warranties of at least a decade, ideally lifetime guarantees, to fully 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
To compare foundation repair professionals, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- Can you provide a complete written cost estimate and project scope? Asking for a quote in writing helps shield you from unexpected costs.
- 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 trying to bill you for unneeded work.
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Reputable companies will offer warranties of at least 10 years on materials and labor.
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
Thoroughly reviewing foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely completes long-lasting, quality repairs. Fixing foundation problems right away decreases the risk of future structural damage.