How to Choose the Right Foundation Repair Contractor

Foundation repair is an important project to undertake, as foundation comprises the backbone and structural safety of your home. Therefore, this isn’t a project that should be performed by just anyone. With a wide variety of options available to the greater Los Angeles area, it’s important to evaluate which qualities comprise the right foundation contractor for your project.

Related: Types Of Home Foundations

Reviews are something people check when shopping for many products and services. When it comes to choosing the correct foundation repair contractor, it should be no different.

Check out review sites such as The Better Business Bureau (BBB), Angie’s List, Yelp, and more to see what people have to say about potential contractors.

Look for specific cases of customer and contractor interactions to narrow down reoccurring issues or strong areas.

Seek out any repeat concerns that are made and be wary of contractors with unethical complaints made against them. Keep in mind that no company is perfect, but by reading reviews, you should be able to narrow down your choices and get a better understanding of what services you can expect. Doing your research ahead of time will save you a lot of headaches and could stop you from potentially picking an unethical company.

Related: Foundation Repair Insurance Coverage

Look for Warranties

One important aspect of choosing a foundation repair company is picking one that offers a warranty. Be wary of companies that do not offer warranties. If a warranty is not offered, it can mean one of two things; either the contractor doesn’t care about the health of your home or they are not confident in their work. Warranties mean that a foundation repair contractor can back up their work with both money and reputation.

Seek out contractors who offer around a 10-year foundation warranty. These types of warranties mean that the contractor is confident in their work and cares about the lasting health of your home. Warranties are in place to reinforce that the company is doing the job right the first time, which is what a homeowner deserves. Be sure to always completely read and verify your warranties to make sure that there aren’t any loopholes.

Research the Business

When evaluating potential contractors, check to see how long they have been in business. Companies that have been in business for longer have more experience to bring to the table, meaning they are prepared for surprises and changes. It also suggests that the company will be around after the work is finished, should you require anything else from them.

On the other hand, rookie companies might be trying to get their footing and could potentially sink. Companies that frequently change locations might be trying to hide from bad reviews.
Experience and reputation go a long way for companies. More established companies have a verifiable reputation in the community. This is something that you can search out and establish a clear image of. Look for a company that people in the area can trust and turn to, meaning they are a respectable and reliable choice for a foundation repair company.

To verify how long a company has been in business, run their California license number through the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Contractors State License Board portal.

Related: Foundation Repair Los Angeles

Before selecting your foundation repair company, you want to be aware of all variables of how they operate. Understand their payment terms very clearly, since you don’t want unexpected pay changes to occur after the project starts. Be wary of contractors who ask to be fully paid before the project is completed. Be sure that a clear payment schedule is established and agreed upon in writing.

Verify that the company has all of its required permits and that they will get your home in compliance with all building codes. This means that they won’t be cutting any corners or trying to scam you by using subpar building materials.

Also ask to see all licenses, credentials, and affiliations. Never choose an unlicensed contractor for any work. If a contractor can’t meet the bare minimum requirements, then they are not at all suitable. Inquire about specific training and specialties and see the paperwork to back up information. Additional areas to check are references and insurance. Check that the insurance comes directly from the insurance provider of the company and that it is still valid. Be thorough in your evaluation. Foundation repair is a significant service, and you don’t want to choose a less qualified contractor for the project.

Related: Foundation Crack Repair Los Angeles

Check Quotes

Foundation repair is an important and necessary investment in the long-term health of your building. You never want to skimp on costs and risk subpar work. However, it’s also important to make sure that you aren’t getting misled. You need to ask questions and fully understand the requirements and needs of the project.

Don’t allow cost to be the biggest factor in who to choose, as better companies often offer higher quotes due to premium materials. This is worth the money saved by choosing a cheaper company that uses shoddy materials.

However, you need to be aware of how much the project will cost, what payment plans are available, and an estimated timeline of the project. Ask many questions so that you know what to expect from your contractor for your foundation repair project. Get your estimate in writing so that you won’t be receiving any unpleasant surprises at the end of the project.

Related: Sister Foundation Solution

Choosing California Foundation Works

At California Foundation Works, we make it our mission to deliver reliable, fast, and efficient services. Communication is one of our core focuses as a contractor team. We understand that home repair work can be stressful, which is why we try to reduce as much worry as possible. We’ll be there every step of the way from the initial consultation to securing permits to the final touches.

We focus on client communication and collaboration so that homeowners are aware of progress throughout the project and can weigh in on any preferences and changes.
We vow to secure your home so that it can best weather any storm Los Angeles has to offer. Our team of highly skilled contractors shares decades of hands-on experience that we carry to every project. Feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.

Your home is probably the most significant investment you will make in a lifetime. Don’t put it in the wrong hands. Make your next home repair or renovation as efficient, easy, and hassle-free as possible by teaming up with a contractor you trust.

Is your home beginning to show its age?

Are you considering booking a foundation inspection?