Does your home have foundation damage? Whether it's a crack, a gap, or even a sunken section, any foundation issue can lead to big problems and be a major source of stress for any homeowner. Foundation damage can lead to structural issues, moisture problems, and a wide range of other complications. It's important to hire a foundation repair contractor who has the necessary experience and knowledge to make sure your foundation problems are correctly diagnosed and properly repaired. However, if you've never experienced foundation issues before, you may not know exactly what to look for in a foundation repair company. Below are seven essential questions to ask any foundation repair contractor before you make a decision.

1. How Long Have You Been in Business?

You want someone who has repaired issues similar to yours many times. That means they should have enough experience to understand your problem and know how to fix it. Look for contractors with at least a few years of experience – they will have seen most foundation issues before and know how to handle them best. Believe it or not, there are many different types of foundation damage. Not all foundation contractors have the same focus. Ask what type of foundation repair work they specialize in, as foundation damage can vary greatly. For example, some contractors may have experience with foundation settlement and piering, while others may be more experienced with basement waterproofing or crack repairs. Some contractors only work on foundation wall stabilization. You want to find the right contractor for your specific issue or one who offers comprehensive service. Ask about their experience and their specialty to make sure they're the right fit for your job.

2. Are You Insured and Licensed?

Insurance and licensing are critical for any contractor who works in your home. That's especially true for contractors who work on your foundation, which is an integral component of your house's structure. If they're not insured, you could be liable for any accidents or other damage that takes place on your property. If they're not licensed, there's probably a reason why. Perhaps they never applied for licensing because they don't have the proper qualifications and know they won't get approved. Whatever the issue, any reputable contractor should be licensed. Ask for proof of insurance and make sure that it covers any potential damage caused by the contractor while on your property. Remember that many states require foundation professionals to be licensed. This means they have been tested for knowledge in foundation repair methods and are certified to do such work. If a contractor can't provide either of these qualifications, you may want to think twice before hiring them.

3. Do You Provide a Warranty?

Foundation repairs can be costly. In fact, according to HomeAdvisor, the average residential foundation repair costs more than $4,600. Your house needs a sound foundation to ensure its integrity, so this is an important investment. However, that's a lot of money to spend without a guarantee that the work will be high-quality. Reputable contractors should stand by their work and provide at least a year's warranty on their services. That should be long enough to give you peace of mind that the repair was done correctly. If issues arise within that timeframe, it's possible the repair wasn't done correctly or there were other issues that the contractor didn't find the first time. Either way, they should fall under warranty coverage. Ask what type of warranty they offer, and make sure that it covers any foundation-related issues you may encounter in the future. You should also be certain to get all warranties in writing before beginning any foundation project.

4. Can I See Examples of Your Previous Work?

It's always a good idea to ask for references or look at photos of projects the contractor has completed in the past. This will help you determine if they are capable of handling your foundation issue properly and give you an idea of their level of experience. It also gives them a chance to demonstrate their proficiency in repairing your type of foundation issue. A trustworthy foundation repair company should be able to provide plenty of references or show off its portfolio of completed projects. If they can't provide pictures, testimonials, or other proof of their body of work, you may want to consider other options.

5. What Techniques Do You Use?

There are several different techniques contractors can use to repair foundations. For example, some contractors will use patches and masonry to seal cracks. Others could use slabjacking, which involves the injection of a solution into the foundation. Another technique is to use pilings to return a sunken foundation to the appropriate level. Foundation repair techniques vary depending on the severity and type of foundation damage, so it's important to ask what methods your contractor plans to use for your foundation problem. Being familiar with the option your contractor has selected can help you better understand your project as it progresses and enable you to communicate with your service provider throughout the process.

6. How Much Will My Repairs Cost?

A foundation repair can be costly, but the price depends on many different factors. It's essential that you understand the full scope of the repairs that are needed as well as their associated costs. Ask your foundation repair contractor for an itemized quote that covers labor, materials, and any additional services they may provide such as inspections and foundation monitoring. Also, be sure to ask what factors could cause the estimate to change. For example, could the contractor run into issues that will cause the price to go up? It's not uncommon for contractors to discover additional problems once they begin the work. Make sure to ask for a quote before making a decision so you can budget appropriately.

7. When Can You Start and How Long Will It Take?

Time is of the essence when it comes to foundation repairs, so be sure to ask your foundation contractor how quickly they can begin working on your issue. A delay creates more opportunities for moisture, air, insects, and more to get into your home. A good foundation repair contractor should have all the necessary equipment and personnel in order to start work quickly and get the job done right. Also, ask how long they believe it will take to complete the job. There may be factors that they can't be aware of until they start. For example, they could discover additional complications that will take more time to address. Inclement weather could prevent them from working on certain days. There are some things that are beyond the contractor's control. However, an experienced and reputable contractor should be able to provide an estimated timeline for completing the project.

Do you have a foundation issue that needs to be repaired quickly? Contact our team at Foundations First Northwest today. Our team of foundation experts can inspect the issue, recommend a solution, and provide a reasonable quote and timeline. Your foundation is too important to wait. Every day that passes creates another chance for the issue to get worse and for your home to suffer damage. Let's connect today and start the process of getting your foundation back to the way it should be.