The foundation is one of the most crucial components of any home. Foundation problems can easily result in your entire home leaning or slowly collapsing. Doors and windows won't close properly, and your floors will start to slope. Cracks in your foundation can easily leak water into your basement, providing the ideal environment for mold spores to thrive. Foundation problems will continue to worsen until it is sufficiently repaired. However, despite the urgency to fix foundation problems, it's essential to take the time to interview foundation repair companies. Ask businesses these questions before hiring them to work on your house.

1. What Will the Timeline Look Like?

It's essential to ask foundation repair companies when they can fix your foundation because some businesses can get backed up for weeks or months. How soon a professional can make repairs often depends on the repairs that must be made. However, the issues will worsen if your foundation isn't promptly repaired. If you plan on putting your home on the market, you'll also have a more challenging time selling your house. According to Clever, over 50% of potential buyers said foundation issues were a deal-breaker.

You'll also want to know the timeline of the project itself. You'll want to know how long you should expect to have contractors working in your home. You may also have to make certain accommodations during this time, so you should know how long the project will last.

2. What Services Do You Offer?

Always ask foundation repair companies what services they provide before hiring them. Some companies may specialize in minor, quick repairs for issues like hairline cracks. They might need to gain the experience or knowledge necessary to complete a massive foundation repair job. Consider the type of foundation repair you need, and ask them if they provide those services. It's also a great idea to note additional repairs a company can make in case you need them later.

3. What Techniques Do You Use?

If you ask this question before foundation repair companies see the problem, you'll get a vague answer. Most businesses have to know the situation to determine an appropriate solution. However, when a company shows up to give you an estimate, they should be able to tell you how they plan to make repairs. Please pay attention to the materials and techniques they use. For example, if there are cracks in the concrete, they should be filled with a durable substance. Avoid companies that use cheap materials on your foundation.

4. Do You Offer Any Warranties?

A reputable company with experience will stand behind its work. They will typically offer both a manufacturer's warranty and their own labor warranty on their services. The warranty will usually cover repairs if the job was not done correctly the first time. For example, if you pay for crack repair, yet water is still seeping in, the company should make the repairs necessary for free. Some businesses will charge you for the additional materials but offer free labor. Ask foundation repair companies if they provide a written warranty before hiring them.

5. Should I Expect Disruptions?

It's normal to experience specific disruptions when a contractor comes home to work on your foundation. However, there is going to be dust and dirt. Ask companies if they will clean that up at the end of the day or use a separate door to avoid tracking it through the house. Homeowners with a newborn baby who naps regularly or those who work from home will need to ask how much noise there will be. It can be helpful to determine a work schedule with the company to minimize disruptions to your daily life.

6. How Will Payment Work?

Foundation repair companies will give you an approximate estimate when they evaluate your foundation. Ask businesses what types of payments they accept. Some businesses will accept payment methods like credit or debit cards while others will only accept cash or checks. When discussing payment options, ask if you can make payments on the job. Companies that require half the cost upfront and the rest after the job is done are typical.

7. What Is Included in the Contract?

You'll want to ask whichever company you choose about the contract you'll be signing, and be sure to read it over for yourself. It should include things like the timeframe, what happens if the project takes longer than expected, the cost, what would warrant additional charges, the scope of the work, and any warranties or guarantees. It's vital that you familiarize yourself with the contract because it will be your first line of defense if something goes wrong during your project.

8. Do You Clean Up Afterward?

When hiring contractors, you'll discover two types: those that clean up when the job is done and those that don't. A company should leave the work area in better condition than when they found it. Nails and loose screws should be picked up to ensure no one gets injured. A business should sweep to remove dust and debris from the area. You should be able to use your basement without spending days cleaning up a mess the crew left behind.

9. What Is the Expected Outcome?

Most homeowners know that foundation issues can cause sloping floors and doors that don't close. This leads to them thinking the entire house will be level once foundation repair companies leave. However, that's only sometimes the case. Foundation repairs will prevent further sloping, but a house usually needs to be leveled to make the floors level again. That's why discussing your expected outcome with professionals before they start working on the job is essential. You may need additional services and not realize it yet.

10. Do You Service Crawl Spaces?

Homeowners with specific issues should ask about those services, especially if they involve crawl spaces. Crawl space repairs require smaller equipment. Businesses may need employees with a smaller frame to ensure they have someone who can fit into the crawl space. Many companies must see the area before determining if they can do the job. Always ask specifically about crawl spaces or other specific jobs to ensure a company can make the necessary repairs before scheduling an evaluation.

11. How Much Experience Do You Have?

As previously mentioned, your foundation is one of the most crucial elements of your home. That's why you want to ensure you're only working with highly knowledgeable and experienced foundation repair companies. Look for a company that has at least 10 years of experience, but 15, 20, 30, or more years is even better. The more experience they have, the better equipped they are to take on your project and handle any problems that may arise.

Working with foundation repair companies can help make your home easier to sell and keep your family safe. However, finding the right company to work with is crucial to ensure the job gets done correctly. Ask foundation repair companies for an estimate, if they offer written contracts and warranties, and if they can do the job. Then, ask them what techniques and materials they use to ensure the company can do the job correctly the first time around. Taking the time to ask these questions will provide you wind up working with a trustworthy company. Contact Foundations First Northwest to work with a company you can rely on.