Choosing a Foundation Repair Contractor: 9 Essential Steps for Homeowners
Choosing a Foundation Repair Contractor: 9 Essential Steps for Homeowners
When your home foundation is damaged, it is important to choose a foundation repair contractor that will do the job right. This is not a decision that should be taken lightly, as your home is one of your most valuable assets.
To help you choose a reputable foundation repair contractor, we have put together a list of 9 essential steps for homeowners. By following these steps, you can be sure that you are choosing a contractor that will do a good job and leave your home in better condition than they found it.
1. Get multiple estimates.
2. Check for licensing and insurance.
3. Ask for references.
4. Look for experience.
5. Check for a physical address.
6. Read online reviews.
7. Beware of low prices.
8. Avoid pressure tactics.
9. Get everything in writing.
By following these 9 steps, you can be sure that you are choosing a reputable foundation repair contractor that will do a good job and leave your home in better condition than they found it.
2. Why is choosing the right foundation repair contractor important?
Choosing the right foundation repair contractor for the job is incredibly important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is important to choose a contractor who has the necessary qualifications and experience to get the job done properly. Not only does this ensure that the repair is done right the first time, but it also increases the chances that any underlying problem is found and fixed.
Secondly, choosing the right contractor can help save costs. There are a lot of contractors out there who are willing to cut corners and might use inferior materials, or even worse, provide a subpar repair job. Choosing the right contractor ensures that the job is done properly, and with the best materials, and at the most competitive price.
Finally, a good foundation repair contractor will be able to help you prevent damage from recurring. The contractor will be able to identify the source of the problem and make recommendations for prevention methods. Taking preventative measures can save you money in the long run, as you can avoid costly repairs down the line.
https://unsplash.com/@brettwharton
3. What are the 9 essential steps for homeowners when choosing a foundation repair contractor?
Choosing the right foundation repair contractor is complicated, but by following these essential steps, homeowners can ensure that they are getting a qualified contractor to do the job right the first time.
1. Ask for referrals and do your research. It's important to find contractors who have a good track record with their customers. Talk to friends, family, and other homeowners to get recommendations, and research contractors online.
2. Check credentials and licenses. Make sure the contractor you are considering is licensed and qualified to do foundation repair work in your area.
3. Compare services and inspections. Get written quotes for services and inspection fees from a few different contractors. Be sure to compare apples to apples, as some contractors will only do certain types of work.
4. Ask for evidence of insurance and bonding. Make sure the contractor has all the necessary insurance and bonding required in your area.
5. Investigate the company's experience level. Consider how long the contractor has been in business and what type of experience they possess.
6. Check their credentials and ratings with the Better Business Bureau and the Department of Professional Regulation. If any complaints have been lodged against the contractor, investigate them thoroughly before making a decision.
7. Request references from previous clients. Ask to speak to previous job references and ask questions about the contractor's professionalism and work quality.
8. Read contract documents carefully. Make sure that the contract documents spell out exactly what work will be done, how it will be done, and at what cost. Also, ensure that the payment schedule is clearly outlined and that both parties agree on the timeline for the completion of the work. Finally, pay close attention to any clauses regarding warranties, insurance, and liability, and make sure that you understand and are comfortable with all of the terms before signing the contract.
https://unsplash.com/@npi
Check for licensing, insurance, and bonding
After verifying the contractor's licenses, insurance, and bonding, it is important to research each contractor further. This will allow you to better ascertain whether a contractor is qualified to do the job and determine the most appropriate contractor for your project.
Begin by checking state licensing requirements and research whether the contractor has met these standards. After verifying licensing, it is important to verify the contractor has insurance and bonding to protect the homeowner against any errors and omissions, or accidents that may occur during the job.
The contractor should provide evidence of insurance and bonding in the form of certificates from the insurance company or bonding company. Additionally, confirm that the contractor is in good standing with any professional organizations they are a member of and research ratings and reviews of the contractor with the Better Business Bureau and the Department of Professional Regulation.
https://unsplash.com/@laksoeno98
Get referrals from people you trust
Step 5 is an essential step for homeowners looking to choose a foundation repair contractor – get referrals from people you trust. It is important to get referrals from your family, friends, or other trusted resources to make sure you get a reliable contractor.
A good place to start is to seek out local recommendations from people you know. If your friends and family have had a good experience with previous contractors, they can give you valuable insight into the craftsmanship, integrity, and communication of the contractor. Additionally, you can research online reviews and ratings of the contractor for additional information.
When looking for a contractor, request to speak with at least two to three references to get a good feel of their customer service and communication. Additionally, make sure you have an understanding of the contractor’s timeline for completing the project. Having a clear timeline from the beginning is important as it will ensure your expectations are met and the project is completed on time.
Research the contractors online
Step 6 is another important step for homeowners seeking to hire a foundation repair contractor – research the contractors online. It is important to conduct an online search of the contractor’s contact information and certifications, as well as read reviews and ratings from past customers.
When researching online, make sure you look for the contractor’s website, social media, and any relevant reviews or feedback. Check for the contractor’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, if available, and look for any customer feedback or complaints. Additionally, some companies might have a Facebook page with comments from customers or a Yelp page with reviews and ratings that you can check.
This step is crucial to making sure you get quality work and a properly repaired foundation. Researching the contractor online should never be a shortcut as it can help you determine the contractor’s experience and level of customer service.
Check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau
Once you’ve researched the contractors online, it’s important to check for any complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB is an independent non-profit organization that helps consumers connect with reputable businesses.
The BBB is also a platform to supplement your research on the contractors you’re looking into. The organization provides ratings and quality assurance seals to businesses that meet their standards.
If a contractor has a complaint filed against them, you may want to think twice before hiring them. Take your time to read the complaint to understand the scope and severity of the issue – some complaints may be minor while others could be more serious.
If a contractor has a rating that is lower than A+, has unresolved complaints, and/or a number of complaints, it might not be a good fit for your foundation repair needs. It’s best to take your time to find a contractor with a strong BBB rating and take all necessary precautions to guarantee you're working with a reliable foundation repair contractor.
Visit the contractor’s jobsites
One of the best ways to figure out if the contractor you’re considering is reputable and honest is to go to some of their job locations on occasion. Visiting their job sites gives you a greater insight into the contractor’s workmanship.
You can assess the quality of the foundation repair products in use, as well as the level of customer satisfaction among their clients. You can talk to their clients and ask questions such as:
- How satisfied are you with the contractor's service?
- Were the workers cooperative and communicative?
- Did the contractor complete the work within the estimated timeline?
- How happy are you with the contractor's professionalism?
Familiarizing yourself with the contractor’s work on-site can give you the confidence to safely hire them. It’s important to remember that you can always visit the job location during the repair process to make sure the contractor is efficiently completing the project.
Ask the right questions
Before you decide on a foundation repair contractor, make sure to ask them important questions. This will help you understand the contractor better and make sure you’re getting the best services. The questions you should consider asking include:
- Is the contractor insured and licensed in the state?
- Does the contractor offer any warranties on the job or materials used?
- Does the contractor use high-quality and durable material for repair?
- What methods does the contractor use to repair the foundation?
- How many projects does the contractor carry at the same time?
- What is included in the contractor’s agreement and are there any hidden costs?
These questions can help you get a better understanding of the contractor and make sure that they’ll be the right choice for the job. They can also help you choose a contractor who is experienced and who will complete the job to the highest standard.
Get multiple bids
After asking the right questions, it’s time to get multiple bids from foundation contractors. You can use a bidding platform to get bids from multiple contractors. Doing this will provide you with a larger selection of contractors and help you get the best price for the job.
When you receive multiple bids from contractors, make sure to compare the bids carefully and select the one that meets your needs and budget. Make sure that all the bids are for the same scope of work. The bids should also include an itemized list of materials and labor costs so you can compare them.
Remember, a rock-bottom bid may not be the best option. Make sure to read the reviews and check the contractor’s ratings so you can determine if the contractor is reliable and trustworthy. Finally, make sure to get everything in writing and read the contract carefully before signing it. Once you’re satisfied with the assumptions in the contract, you can begin the foundation repair project.
Read the contract carefully
Before signing a contract, be sure to read the document carefully. Make sure that all the information you discussed with the contractor is reflected in the contract. The contract should include an estimate of the total cost of the project, the estimated timeline for completion, and a list of any additional services that will be required. It should also clearly indicate the responsibilities of each party.
If the contractor has estimated any additional services, make sure to read the contract to make sure it is clearly defined. The contract should also explain the payment plan for the project and how long the contractor is responsible for any repairs.
Once you are satisfied with the information provided in the contract, you can proceed with the project. Make sure to get all the information in writing so that there are no misunderstandings or disputes later on.
Pay attention to the warranty
Make sure to check the details of the warranty before signing the contract. Ensure that the warranty covers any repairs that may be necessary later on. Pay particular attention to what type of warranty is being offered and the length of the warranty.
Ideally, the contractor should provide a performance warranty so that you will be assured that the work done is up to standard. The warranty should also state that the contractor is responsible for fixing any defects that could occur. Make sure to read the warranty in detail to make sure that you are adequately protected.
This is an important step because it ensures that you can safely and confidently proceed with the project with the assurance that there will be some sort of recourse in place if the foundation fails prematurely.
Stonehouse Professional Services - Experts in Foundation Repair
Choosing the right foundation repair contractor is essential to ensuring that your home is repaired properly. With so many contractor options available, it can be difficult to know how to choose. This article provides 9 essential steps for homeowners to follow when choosing a foundation repair contractor.
If you’re looking for the right foundation repair contractor, please don't hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to provide you with a free consultation and estimate.
Give us a call at 210-879-8521 if you have any questions, or book a free inspection online HERE.
8719 Business Circle Building #1, Converse, TX 78109
