5 Qualities to Look for in a Foundation Contractor

Foundations serve a wide array of purposes, such as transferring loads from the structure to the ground and retaining soil. It also provides support for the entire structure, enabling the house to withstand the elements. So, it’s critical that you employ the right contractor for the job; otherwise, it can cost you a small fortune – and in the worst-case scenario, it could cost you and your family’s life.
To help you minimize this risk, we have compiled the following list of features to look for in a good foundation contractor. These are qualities you should demand from your contractor in order to get a better outcome for both your home and your wallet.
1. Do They Offer a Warranty:It’s important to have a warranty on your home repairs, particularly if they involve the foundation. Warranties can protect you from having to pay more money than you should for mistakes made by contractors. They can also protect you from having to pay for damages that are done to your home. Typically, you will want to look for a warranty that lasts at least one year and covers any sort of damage that might result from the work done on the foundation.
2. Check Their Client and Building Inspector Reviews:You want a contractor that has both a good reputation and good working relationships with building inspectors. These are two very different things, but they go hand in hand. You want to be confident that your foundation contractor can get the job done right. That means a quality foundation job you can count on for years to come. Be sure to read client reviews on their website and other review platforms such as Google Reviews, Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Better Business Bureau. And if you have any doubts about the quality of their work, ask for references from previous clients and talk to them about their experience with the company.
3. Make Sure They Have Insurance:Many homeowners are surprised to find out that their contractor has no insurance or is grossly underinsured. This lack of insurance can be costly for you. Your home is the largest investment you will ever make, and it is vital that you protect your investment from any mishaps that may occur.
It is essential that you ask your contractor for proof of insurance before beginning any work at your home. You should also check with your contractor’s insurance agent to ensure that the policy is up-to-date and in good standing.
By making sure your contractor has proper insurance, you are ensuring protection for yourself, your contractors, and their employees.
4. Do They Have Any Affiliations:Often, trade organizations demand quality assurance in exchange for accepting a contractor as a member. These organizations usually have educational requirements, as well. The National Foundation Repair Association (NFRA) and the Structural Engineer’s Association of Texas (SEATX) are two such trade organizations. If your contractor is a member of these groups, you can be sure that their work will be backed by industry standards. Also, keep an eye out for membership with the Better Business Bureau.
5. Do They Communicate Transparently:When you take on a home project, it’s a big deal. You’re trusting someone else to do something important and potentially expensive inside your home. That’s why it’s essential that you work with professionals who communicate transparently with their clients.
What does transparent communication look like? It means that the contractor is willing to explain the process of your foundation repair in terms you can understand. They will also be happy to answer questions about the repair and long-term maintenance of your home. If a contractor seems secretive or unwilling to talk about your foundation problems, then they’re not the one for you.