Are you looking to work with a foundation company for upcoming repairs and other services, but you aren't sure what to expect? That's understandable because most people rarely have to repair their foundation. It's a more long-term concern that means you likely have never had to call a foundation pro. Thankfully, we're here to help you discover some important secrets about the foundation contracting world that should make it easier to find someone you can trust. We'll cover a variety of factors to give you the inside scoop you need. Without further ado, here are nine things you should know.

1. Know Average Prices

Before you call a foundation contractor, you should know how much it's going to cost. According to HomeAdvisor, most homeowners pay around $4,640 for foundation issues. That gives you a good base on which to choose a company and plan out your specific budgetary needs.

You'll likely get some kind of quote or estimate once you choose a company that will break down the cost of the project, but knowing the average cost will allow you to spot if a company is severely over or undercharging for its services. Don't let low prices fool you -- a suspiciously cheap estimate often means that they're cutting corners.

2. Examine Their Reputation

When sorting through the dozens of foundation companies you might find near you, it's important to do your research. By this, we mean you need to know whether they have a good or bad reputation as this can vary heavily based on a company. There are several ways that you can take this step.

First, make sure that you talk about them with people in your area. Reach out to family members who may have experience with them and ensure that you understand their worth and reputation. You can also ask the company you choose for references and speak to people they have previously done work for. This will give you an opportunity to ask them about how the foundation company handled themselves professionally and about the quality of their work.

3. Read Through Reviews

Find online reviews for the foundation company you're considering and figure out what people are saying about them. You need to find someone who mostly has four or five-star reviews and focus on working with them. People will often point out any major problems they noticed while working with the contractor, such as rude customer service. However, if the majority of their reviews talk about how friendly they were and how good of a job they did, this is a great sign.

4. Pay Attention to Warning Signs

Before you call a foundation company for your home's needs, it's critical to know the warning signs of foundational damage. Put simply, these issues can develop slowly and cause a long-lasting array of issues. Thankfully, we can explain them to you to ensure that you know what to expect.

First, cracks in your walls, floors, and ceiling indicate a serious shift in your foundation, one that's likely to cause serious damage to your home. Furthermore, doors and windows refusing to close showcase another real issue. Pay attention to these problems and reach out for help when you need it. As most professionals will tell you, catching problems early is the key to avoiding further damage and higher repair costs.

5. Know What Your Insurance Covers

While it's true that your home insurance may not cover much of your foundation repairs, there are instances in which they might help. For example, if a dam bursts in your area or you experience a flood, they might help with some payments. That's because floods are unexpected disasters.

Note that your policy may need specific coverage types to provide you with any benefits. Talk with your provider to learn more about the different help you may or may not be able to receive. It's best to upgrade your policy as soon as possible to avoid these dangers if you think that there's any risk of them occurring.

6. Gauge Their Customer Service

Have you ever tried working with a contractor who has poor customer service? It's a very frustrating situation and is something you can easily avoid. Work with a team that you know has your best needs in mind. How can you gauge their customer service quality? There are a few steps.

First, talk to them on the phone and listen to how they interact with you. Are they polite, or do they seem annoyed that you called? Secondly, read reviews of their customers online to see what they have to say. It's important to take some reviews with a grain of salt to ensure that you aren't making rash decisions. As previously mentioned, you will also likely receive an estimate before beginning any work. This is a great time to look for any red flags.

7. Talk to Them About Repair Times

Let's be frank here: you don't want to hire someone who's going to take months to repair a problem that should only take weeks. Thankfully, most contractors can give you an accurate estimate of how long the project will take. As always, check reviews to make sure that their estimates are as accurate as possible.

Please note that there are situations in which it just might take longer than anticipated. Unexpected problems can arise. The secret here is to find a team that will be transparent with you about this risk. If they're willing to be honest about how long it will take to do your repairs, they're a team worth trusting for foundation repairs.

8. Give Yourself Time to Relocate

If you're calling a foundation repair team, there's a chance that there's something severely wrong with your home. As a result, you may need to temporarily relocate to keep yourself safe. This process could include staying at hotels or living with friends and family members during the repairs.

Note that your insurance company might provide you with some support during this process. If you can't live in your house during vital repairs, they may pay for your relocation. That's an important fact to keep in mind if you want to avoid spending cash unnecessarily.

9. Give Your Family Support

Now, it's important for you to take your family's needs seriously when hiring a foundation team. After all, there's a good chance that their lives will be disrupted by repairs and installation, along with yours. Talk to them about this process to make sure they understand its scope.

You should not only talk to them about this process but warn them about what's likely to happen. For example, let them know that you're likely going to be out of the house for some time and explain where you're going. Also, discuss steps that can minimize the potential for future foundation issues.

By paying close attention to these secrets, you can ensure that you hire a foundation company that makes sense for you. If you're still on the fence about this process or don't know where to turn, please don't hesitate to contact Foundations First Northwest today to learn more. Our team of professionals fully understands this process and will do whatever we can to help you. It's important to us that you get the installation experience that you deserve at a price you can afford.