When it comes to your foundation, any work or repairs that need to be done are definitely not a do-it-yourself job. It is also not a job you need to hire the first contractor you run across to do. Instead, be sure you get, at minimum, three different quotes from licensed contractors. Their quote should include what they think is wrong with the foundation, as well as time and cost estimates. A general inspection will take approximately two hours.

Also, before you hire a foundation contractor, you should use the following tips to ensure you find the right person for the job.

Get educated

It is important that you take the time to learn about the different repair methods that are available. When you are discussing your foundation and the options that are available, be sure that you ask a lot of questions. You should not make your final decision based on the cheapest price or catchy advertising. If it sounds like it is too good to be true, then it probably is.

Read the reviews for the contractor

It is important to read third party reviews regarding the services that are offered from a particular contractor. These are typically posted by previous customers and can provide you with insight to the quality of work provided by a certain contractor, as well as their cost and professionalism. You can also read the reviews posted on the contractors website, but keep in mind these may be posted by the company, so don’t blindly believe everything they say.

Only use evaluated contractors

You should never do business with a contractor that does not have the methods they use evaluated by the ICC-ES, which is the International Code Council Evaluation Services. This is a nonprofit organization that ensures the building products meet the various code compliances.

Ask about hydraulic piling clauses

Generally speaking, a reputable contractor will have a clause related to the depth of the hydraulic piling services they provide. This is usually between 20 and 30 feet. Past that depth, there is typically an extra charge that ranges from $20 to $30 per foot. If you find a contractor who does not have a depth clause, you should move forward cautiously. It is highly unlikely that a foundation contractor will continue operating and lose money, instead just stopping at a depth that will guarantee they make a profit.

Landscape and plants

There are a number of foundation repair and service projects that will require some landscape removal. In most cases, the contractor is not going to guarantee that any shrubs or bushes that are moved will survive or that they will be replaced.

Guarantees and warranties

The foundation is an essential part of any home or business. It is important that you pay close attention to the terms that a contractor has. Remember that the warranty that is offered is only as good as the company that is behind it. Try to find a national company that will offer you a warranty trust. This protects you even if the company winds up going out of business.

If you believe that you may be experiencing some type of foundation issue, then you will need to have a basic understanding of the repairs and problems to choose the right contractor. If you make the wrong choice then it could wind up being extremely expensive.

It is critical to make a thoughtful decision in order to find the right foundation contractor for your needs. This will help ensure that the proper repairs are made and that they are done right the first time.

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