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 conduct research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
We suggest hiring a local foundation repair company with a long history of fixing various types of foundations. These companies should have expertise in the latest techniques and materials. Ask how many years a provider has served your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps confirm that a company routinely provides quality work and good service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
It's important to select a company that has the correct licenses, bonding, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. Florida general contractor licenses are issued by the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. Both General and Residential Contractors can do work on residential houses, and both types of contractors can be certified or registered. Certified contractors are permitted to work in any jurisdiction, while registered contractors are only permitted to work in the jurisdictions in which they are registered. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering long transferable warranties of at least 10 years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its foundation repair work. This exhibits confidence that the repairs will be effective and offers protection should problems develop later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair providers, you should ask detailed questions such as:
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may consider options such as steel piers, carbon fiber, and wall anchors. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- What financing options do you have? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Can you provide a complete written project scope and cost estimate? Getting quotes in writing helps protect you from unexpected expenses.
- How long will the repairs realistically take? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What guarantees do you provide? Reputable providers generally provide labor and materials warranties that last at least 10 years.
- What foundation flaws did you identify during inspection that may 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.
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 high-quality, long-lasting repairs. Promptly fixing foundation issues reduces the risk of further structural damage.