The foundation is the cornerstone of a building, ensuring stability, strength, and longevity. Proper foundation repair and maintenance are extensive and costly, but also necessary for a home’s structural integrity. Severe foundation damage can lead to serious structural issues like instability, water damage, and even loss of property value. And the only thing worse than a foundation issue is selecting the wrong foundation repair contractor.
A professional contractor ensures your home’s structural integrity and peace of mind by properly completing the project with a warranty for the repair’s longevity. Evaluating quotes from multiple contractors is a wise move for your foundation. However, not all foundation companies are reliable and responsible. From vague quotes and upselling unnecessary repairs to a lack of qualifications, there are several things you should examine before signing the contract. In this blog, Chicago foundation repair specialists educate homeowners on identifying warning signs while reviewing repair quotes. These tips will help you select the proper repair contractor and avoid costly mistakes.
Red Flags to Watch For
Take your time and review the following aspects before finalizing a foundation repair contractor for your home.
No or Vague Online Visibility
In today’s digital age, people refer to online searches and recommendations for all kinds of services. So, you should be skeptical if a contractor doesn’t have a clear and well-designed website, social media, or consistent contact details (name, address, and phone number).
Most professional companies invest in a proper website and social media and update their local information, like contact details, and appear on Google Maps. Be wary of companies that do not have a credible online presence. You do not want to trust your home to an out-of-state company without any local commitments, and who might not be around later if they cannot find a foothold in your locality.
Vague Quotes
A professional quote always includes critical information like pricing, terms and conditions, timelines, and scope of work. A contract should always be in a detailed, written format outlining the inspection, summary, repair method, materials and labor costs, payment terms, and warranties provided. It helps to avoid hidden costs and confusion later on and ensures that both parties are on the same page. If a quote does not have clear, detailed information in writing, the contractor might not be professional or reliable.
Unlicensed and Uninsured
Working with an unlicensed and uninsured contractor might lead to accidents, damages, and even legal troubles. You might even be liable to pay for the damage or injuries to the workers. Permits are also required to ensure the safety of the structure and its residents. Performing construction or repairs without permits might lead to non-compliance with building codes and legal issues, which might lower the value of your property. Any company that doesn’t include the permit cost in the contract or makes vague claims about it should not be trusted.
Make sure to verify that the company is licensed, bonded, and insured. A licensed contractor has the required credentials and expertise to perform foundation repairs in the state. Insurance will protect you and the company’s workers from financial and legal troubles of accidents or damage during the repairs. Make sure to see proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. A bonded contractor is also an assurance that the project will be completed as agreed, effectively, and within the timeline. Any company without a license and insurance might not be a legitimate business.
Sales Gimmicks and Pressure Tactics
Some contractors might use sales gimmicks and pressure tactics to get you to sign the contract immediately without being fully informed. If a contractor tries to upsell a product or service, rush you with limited-time discounts and prices, or scare you about the damage, they might not be reliable. Do not fall for such sales gimmicks by contractors who only talk about their company and services rather than your foundation’s problems.
Foundation repair is a critical renovation, and a reliable contractor will give you ample time, space, and information to make an informed decision for your home. If you feel rushed or uncomfortable, trust your instincts and ask the contractor for a written estimate and time to review it. Legitimate contractors will wait for you to evaluate your options and feel confident before moving forward.
Lack of Professionalism and Appearance
The first impression is really important when selecting any service or product. A professional contractor understands how their brand’s appearance affects their clients’ decision-making. They will make sure to have a presentable website and social media, as well as professional-looking representatives for home visits. A contractor who does not care about their brand is less likely to prioritize your foundation’s health and appearance.
Professionalism is the next important attribute of a reliable contractor. A professional contractor is always on time, is courteous, listens to all your concerns, and displays an understanding of your needs. They follow up regularly and execute the project on time and according to the contract. Any contractor that doesn’t display all of these attributes is not worth thousands of dollars for foundation repair.
No Assessment
A quality, durable foundation repair begins with a thorough inspection. A credible contractor will inspect the interior and exterior foundation to identify the exact location and severity of damage and the cause, whether it is soil movement, drainage issues, or structural imbalances. If a quote does not include an assessment of the causes, it is a clear warning sign.
A complete quote includes a thorough inspection of the foundation, including soil conditions, water drainage, and load-bearing structures. Only repairing the symptoms, like cracks and leaks, will lead to the repetition of the issues with more expensive repairs. Find a contractor who offers soil testing and engineering consultations for long-lasting foundation stability.
Suspiciously Low Prices
Some contractors try to lure homeowners with “too good to be true” prices. Such prices usually exclude permits, proper materials, adequate labor, and long-term fixes. Such low quotes might have hidden costs, result in incomplete projects, or higher repair costs due to repeated issues in the future. Such contractors might use subpar materials, unskilled labor, and rushed workmanship that might not meet local building codes.
While comparing quotes, look for detailed breakdowns of costs for labor, materials, inspections, and cleanups. A fair quote will not always be the cheapest, but it will provide long-term stability and protection.
Lack of Reviews and References
Customer reviews and references are the most trustworthy indicators of a business’s reputation. Any professional and successful company will include customer testimonials and pictures of their projects on their website and social media as proof of their quality services.
It should be a major red flag if a contractor hesitates to provide references or customer reviews. Check for Yelp, Google, and Better Business Bureau reviews to understand the contractors’ reputation and work quality. Too many negative or only positive reviews mean you should be suspicious of their work and credibility.
Lack of Warranties and Guarantees
Warranties are very important in any foundation repair as they ensure the long-term integrity of the home. Any contractor that doesn’t provide a warranty on their services or makes vague promises like ‘lifetime coverage’ is not trustworthy.
A strong warranty mentions the duration, damages or failures covered, transferability of ownership, repairs that are excluded, and things that void the warranty. Clear warranties provide peace of mind to homeowners and protect their investments from future issues and repairs. Ask for proper documentation mentioning all these details of the warranty before signing the contract.
How to Vet Foundation Repair Companies
Follow these steps before selecting a foundation repair contractor for your home.
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Make sure they have a local presence and a good reputation in the community.
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A professional company will mention specific services, repair methods, and products they use on their website.
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Check for reviews on Yelp, Google, and Better Business Bureau. A company licensed and approved by the BBB and other reputable sources is reliable.
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Ask for pictures of their previous projects and client reviews, and testimonials. Contact their customers to inquire about their experience and the contractor’s professionalism.
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Look for professional affiliations with the Foundation Repair Association and ICC-certified staff. They will ensure that the contractors are reliable and will complete the project as mentioned in the contract.
Avoiding Red Flag Contractors
Foundation repairs play a vital role in the strength and stability of a home. Contractors who provide vague quotes, use sales gimmicks and pressure tactics, and lack professionalism are major red flags. Hiring companies without a proper online presence, license, insurance, and reviews can lead to extensive damage and costly repairs in the future. The right contractor ensures the timely and proper completion of each project, creating a durable and strong foundation for the home. Avoid the red flags and vet multiple contractors to find the right one for your foundation problems.
