Choosing afoundation repair contractorisn’t easy. North Carolina’s consumer protection agencies receive plenty of complaints about shady contractors. So how do you find a reputable, reliable foundation repair contractor who can complete the job on time and under budget?
This article explores 7 of the most important questions you should ask before hiring a contractor to repair your home’s foundation.
Do I Even Need Foundation Repairs?
Quite often, the answer is “no.” All homes settle and adjust with time. And thus, it’s not uncommon for your foundation to develop minor cracks. The appearance of minor cracks doesn’t necessarily mean repairs are necessary. When in doubt, it’s best to ask a professional.
Unfortunately, many foundation repair companies will gladly take your money for unnecessary fixes. Consider requesting a 2nd opinion before committing to any major repairs. It’s worth doing a little extra homework if it means avoiding costly, unnecessary repairs.
Are You Licensed and Insured in My State?
Technically speaking, licensing and insurance are mandatory for foundation repair contractors in states like North Carolina and South Carolina. But some repair teams market themselves as experts without explicitly stating that they are “foundation repair contractors.” Always check with your state’s licensing board to be 100% sure.
How To, How Much, and How Long?
You want to determine how the job will be completed. Depending on the exact nature of the damage, there are several different approaches to home foundation repair.
For more information on each approach, contact us directly .
You also want to know (in advance and in writing):
- How much the job will cost. The goal is not to comparison shop. Rather, you want to avoid any unwelcomed surprises.
- How long the job will take. Standard turnaround times vary from 1 to 5 business days, depending on the extent of the damage and the contractor’s backlog of work.
Do You Offer a Foundation Repair Warranty?
Nearly all home foundation repairs come with lifetime, transferable warranties that cover you for workmanship and parts. However – not all warranties are created equally. You must read the fine print in order to understand your rights as a policyholder. Read our earlier article on this very topic.
How Many Foundation Repairs Have You Completed?
When it comes to fixing your home’s foundation, experience matters. This is why shopping on price alone is an unwise strategy. You want the best team for the job, period. And you also want a foundation repair firm that will be around long enough to back whatever warranties come with the repairs.
Do You Have References and Testimonials?
Seems like an obvious question, right? Don’t hire a contractor who can’t put you in touch with previous customers. Ask for multiple references; if a contractor only refers you to one satisfied customer, that’s a red flag.
Check out thereviews of Foundation Repair Services, Inc.to see what our customers have said about us.
Do You Provide Landscaping and Soil Advice?
Some of the leading causes of foundation failure include:
- Soil erosion
- Expansive soil
- Landslides
- Poor drainage
Your repair team should be able to recommend cost-effective solutions for preventing these common problems. This is especially important since some of the above can void your warranty if left unresolved.
