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 do your research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Pick a local foundation repair company with extensive 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
Researching online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps you verify that the company consistently delivers quality work and a great customer experience. Pay attention if you see multiple complaints about shoddy repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Only hire companies that are properly licensed, bonded, and have both workers compensation and liability insurance. Contractor licenses in Virginia are handled by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Licenses can be class A, B, or C, which determines the value of projects that a contractor can work on. There are additional specialty classifications, which have individual experience and examination requirements in addition to the general competency requirements for all licenses. Contractors may have to meet additional requirements to do certain concrete work.
Warranties
Look for a provider that offers lengthy transferable warranties for a minimum of a decade, preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its work. This demonstrates that the company stands behind its work and safeguards you if issues come up in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
When examining potential foundation repair companies, make sure to ask detailed questions such as:
- What do you see as the likely cause of my issues based on your inspection? Look for clear explanations and solutions in the answer. Companies that provide vague answers may be attempting to bill you for extra work.
- What type of warranties do you offer? Trustworthy providers typically offer warranties of minimum 10 years on materials and labor.
- How long will the repairs realistically take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repairs do you recommend for my situation, and why? Your contractor may offer options such as carbon fiber, wall anchors, and steel piers. Asking allows you to compare suggested solutions between companies.
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to shield yourself from unexpected expenses.
- What financing options do you offer? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
Thoroughly evaluating foundation repair companies will help you identify the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely offer long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps avoid future structural damage.