Below is some excellent advice about interacting with foundation repair contractors, designed to help you avoid many common mistakes, and get your problems solved as efficiently and inexpensively as possible.
FIRST: Prepare to Communicate What You Know about the Situation to The Contractor Who Does Foundation Repairs
when you have reason to believe cracks in walls are being caused by problems with the foundation, investigate the entire foundation to see if there are any signs of problems. Check for water accumulation in the basement, and look for un-square doorways and windows. When your foundation repair contractor comes out to inspect your dwelling, you can point out your observations. Be sure though that they conduct a thorough inspection, as it takes a trained eye to identify subtle clues as to what is really going on. A good foundation repair contractor will do a thorough inspection, produce a reliable diagnosis, and recommend solutions that are most likely to work while being as cost effective as possible.
SECOND: Be Sure and Prepare Questions for Your Foundation Repair Contractor Inspection, and Take Notes As the Conversation Goes along Interviewing foundation repair contractors as they are inspecting your property is an opportunity to learn a great deal about your options. Be organized with prepared questions as follows
• For how many years have you been doing foundation repair work?
• Are you able to correct the foundation repair situation?
• Do you perform the foundation repair work yourself, or is it done through subcontractors?
• Please provide your references for foundation repair work.
• Will it be possible to live in the house during the foundation repairs?
• What will be the potential hazards during the construction job?
• Is it possible that additional costs will become necessary based upon what is discovered after opening up the job?
• How are costs determined?
• How long will it take to get permits and what will the permits cost?
• How long will it take to perform all work?
• Will you provide certificates of insurance for workers compensation, general liability, and commercial auto insurance?
• Will you provide a detailed written estimate?
• Please provide an example of your guarantees and a warranty of concrete work.
• Who is responsible for getting permits?
• Will you provide a written contract?
• Do you provide a detailed written contract?
• THIRD: Make a Preliminary Decision
• Choosing Your Foundation Repair Contractor
After interviewing a contractors who purport to be foundation repair specialists, it’s likely that one or two will stand out as being a good fit for your situation. Based upon their answers to your questions above you can ask the leading contenders to produce the written estimates, insurance evidence, and projected timelines. Be sure and get all this in writing to help verify the authenticity of the criteria upon which you’re making your decisions.
FOURTH: Verify the Credentials and Authenticity of the Contractor You Are Considering Doing Business with.
Be sure and check with the contractors State license Board, and definitely call the foundation repair references provided by the contractor. It’s a good idea to check for any negative reports at the Better Business Bureau. A little research on the Internet can sometimes save you a lot of heartache also. Be sure and inspect the website of each contractor on your short list.
Hopefully this has been helpful for you to take the wisest course of action in accomplishing your necessary foundation repairs.
FIFTH: Solidify Your Decision
Now that you’ve narrowed down your list to one suitable foundation contractor, move forward with the hiring process. Once you notified the chosen foundation contractor, ask that he provide a signed contract that details pricing, timing, and any warranty information.
