Hiring a foundation repair expert to look at your home is the best decision you could make. When you notice damage to your foundation, it’s critical to address the issue right away before it leads to a dangerous situation, compromising the structure of your home.
However, you don’t want to go with the cheapest company you find on Google: Foundation repairs need to be quality work from a company you trust, and preferably nearby.
So, how do you find an expert close to you?
First and Foremost: Location
Make a list of foundation repair companies you find that are listed in your area. This is the one time you can rely on a Google search entirely. If you don’t set a boundary to your search, you’ll be flooded with results and completely overwhelmed.
A national or out-of-state company can do great work, but working with local experts is far less expensive. Plus, they’ll know your area best including the terrain and climate. When it comes to making foundation repairs, the type of weather you often experience and the type of soil your foundation is settled in have a significant impact on the types of repairs you need and how the company should go about them.
Once you have the local list in hand, check for the following qualifications:
Licenses, Insurance, and Certifications
Ask each company for proof of insurance and the licenses necessary to do the repair work. Accidents can happen during any major repair, and the company you hire should have liability and workers’ compensation to protect you.
If they don’t have a license, that’s an automatic disqualification because it means they’re illegitimate. In addition, major foundation repair typically needs permits, but that depends on your state laws.
Certificates don’t always mean that the companies are experts, but it is a good inclination that they specialize in the services you’re looking for.
Specialties and Qualifications
Not all contractors are equal. Just like you wouldn’t want a roofer repairing your floors, and you don’t want a foundation repair company that only works with one particular issue. Chances are you’ve seen some damage to your foundation but aren’t aware of the entire situation and what’s necessary for repair. If the company is new, ask about the qualifications and previous foundation and basement experience of the crew. Ask about their process and the materials they use as well. Quality materials help ensure a quality company.
References and Reviews
A reliable way to learn about skilled, reasonably priced companies is to ask friends, family, or neighbors nearby that recently needed a foundation repair company. You’ll get honest opinions from someone with firsthand experience. You can also check the company’s website for customer reviews, but they’ll most likely only include positive reviews and won’t tell you if there have been any complaints.
Don’t hesitate to ask a company for references as well. Home foundation repair is a serious matter and if the company can provide references, they’re likely reputable.