You've noticed some cracks in your home's foundation and some doors or windows that stick when opening or closing them. It seems pretty clear your foundation is shifting and needs repair work. However, repairs can be complicated, and choosing the right contractors is extremely important. You want to make sure you find the right professional before signing a contract. Here are key qualities you should look for in foundation repair contractors before hiring them.

They Have Years of Experience

The first quality you should look for in potential foundation repair contractors is that they have years of experience. You generally want to look for a company that has been around for several years. This helps ensure they have the experience to properly assess your foundation issues and repair them correctly. More experienced foundation repair contractors have seen all kinds of foundation problems and know how to come up with the right solutions.

They're Licensed and Insured

Hiring licensed and insured foundation repair contractors is extremely important. You need to verify that they carry general liability insurance as well as workers' compensation for their employees. This protects you from liability if a worker gets injured on your property. Their license also shows they are qualified and know local codes and regulations when it comes to foundation repair work. Don't risk hiring foundation repair contractors without the proper licenses and insurance.

They Can Provide a Detailed Inspection and Quote

Quality foundation repair contractors should provide a thorough inspection of your foundation prior to quoting their services. This allows them to recommend the right solutions and provide the most accurate quote based on the work needed. Some companies charge for the initial inspection, while others provide it for free. The inspection should involve evaluating both the inside and outside of your home's foundation. Make sure there are no hidden fees and get a detailed quote in writing from potential foundation repair contractors before agreeing to any work.

They Use High-Quality Methods and Materials

There are several different methods foundation repair contractors use to stabilize and lift sinking concrete slabs or repair cracked or bowing foundation walls. Make sure you hire a team that has high-quality techniques to complete your project. It’s also important to ensure they use high-quality materials as well. Understanding the details on materials and methods upfront ensures the work will be done properly and helps your foundation last longer.

They Provide References From Past Customers

References from past customers are a great way to gauge the quality of work from potential foundation repair contractors. Responsible companies will be happy to provide references. Be sure to actually call a few of the references and ask questions about their experience, if the work was done properly, and if they faced any issues. Checking references is just as important as checking licenses when it comes to finding the right foundation repair company.

They Offer Warranties

The foundation of your home is a major investment, so you want to make sure the repair work is protected by a warranty. Many reputable foundation repair contractors provide warranties that can range from one year to the lifetime of the home. Get warranty details in writing prior to the start of any foundation repair project. Know exactly what's covered, what voids the warranty, and how claims will be addressed if an issue arises in the future. Don’t be afraid to ask for a copy of the actual warranty document to review.

They Have Qualifications

It’s important to hire a team of foundation repair contractors that have the qualifications and training to complete the services you need. At a minimum, the crew working on your home’s foundation should be thoroughly trained in proper repair techniques. However, the best companies require technicians to undergo continuing education to keep their skills sharp. Find out how much experience each technician has. Of course, every technician has to start somewhere, but you generally want a seasoned crew working on something as vital as your foundation.

They Can Get the Required Permits for Work

Some types of foundation repair work require building permits from local municipalities. Experienced foundation repair contractors will know when permits are needed and automatically take care of pulling them for your project. You should ensure they will handle securing any required permits before the job starts. Improper foundation work done without permits can negatively impact the sale value of your home down the road.

They Can Work Off Your Timeline

Every foundation repair job is unique when it comes to how long the work will take to complete. After your inspection, reputable foundation repair contractors should be able to provide a reasonable estimate on the duration of repair work. Make sure to clarify with them the actual onsite crew days as well as the total timeline from start to finish. Some types of foundation repairs require extensive excavation and several days to over a week is typical. Of course, weather, crew size, and other factors can impact the timeline as well.

They Have Great Communication

Open communication is key to a smooth foundation repair process. Discuss with potential foundation repair contractors how much interaction you can expect from the work crew and project managers during the job. It’s important to hire a team that will check in with you daily and can easily be contacted with questions or concerns. The company should also contact you if they encounter any unforeseen issues that impact project timelines or costs.

They Can Begin Work Soon

Timing may play a factor in your foundation repair project, especially if the issues are worsening quickly. Once you decide on a company, find out what their schedule looks like and when they can begin work if awarded the project. Reputable foundation repair contractors should be able to provide an estimated timeframe they expect to start based on the current workload. Just keep in mind that weather, permit delays, or other uncontrollable circumstances can sometimes impact the timing. Getting a reasonable expectation upfront on when they anticipate beginning your project work can influence your decision if timing is critical.

They Can Help Maximize Your Return on Investment

A foundation repair project represents a major investment in your home. As such, it's reasonable to expect a good return on your money when it comes time to sell the property. Experienced foundation repair contractors should provide guidance on how their services can maximize your ROI down the road. Get a clear understanding of how hiring their company specifically can result in improved home value versus going with their lower-priced competitors. The company awarded the job should view your project as a collaboration to protect and potentially boost your property investment over time. According to Maximum Exposure Real Estate, the return on investment for a finished basement is usually around 70% to 80% of the final cost.

Repairing your home's foundation is crucial for preventing further structural damage and protecting your investment. Choosing the contractors for the job makes all the difference. Knowing these dependable qualities, you can feel confident that you’re going to hire the right team. They will ensure one of the most expensive parts of home maintenance and repair will be done right. If you're looking to hire foundation repair contractors to help you with your foundation, then call us at Foundations First Northwest now and let us help you.