How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair business ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to conduct research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Pick a local foundation repair company with deep experience fixing all kinds of foundation problems. It should have specialized knowledge of the latest repair methods and materials. Ask how long a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Spend time reading through online reviews, browsing the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references. This will help verify that a provider consistently delivers good workmanship and professionalism. Take note of complaints mentioning faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire providers that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both workers compensation and liability insurance. In South Carolina, general contractors who work on residential homes might be licensed by the Contractor's Licensing Board (if they also work on commercial jobs) or the Residential Builders Commission (if they do only residential work). General contractors must have two years of work experience, while residential builders need at least a year. Both are required to pass an exam and be bonded. Certain small projects can be exempt from licensing requirements. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Pick a provider that offers warranties of 10+ years that you can transfer to a new owner if you sell and, if possible, lifetime guarantees to fully back its foundation repair services. This displays faith that their repairs will be high-quality and long-lasting and provides protection if problems come up later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
During the process of selecting foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- How long will the repairs realistically take? Look for providers that provide reasonable estimates.
- What type of guarantees do you offer? Reputable companies often offer warranties of minimum 10 years on labor and materials.
- What repairs would you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- 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 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 a vague answer, it may be trying to bill you for unnecessary work.
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
Taking time to carefully evaluate foundation repair contractors will help homeowners discover the right company for their needs. A company that can thoroughly answer these questions is likely one that provides long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Swiftly addressing foundation issues reduces the risk of further structural damage.