When it comes time to repair your home’s foundation, you will want to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible. This means that you must know what to look for when signing a foundation repair contract. Many things can go wrong during this process, so it is important to know what red flags to watch out for. In this blog post, we will discuss the most important factors that you should consider when choosing a foundation repair company.
Provision for permits: Depending on the state you live in, you will have to get different permits for foundation repair. For example: In Florida, a building permit is required for all homes being repaired due to sinkhole activity. As a general homeowner, it can be difficult to know of and acquire all the required permits. The first red flag to look for when deliberating a foundation repair contract is work permits. If the company has not provided you with the necessary permits, likely, they will not do a quality job.
Scope of work: Scope of work is important to consider when signing a foundation repair contract because it outlines all the work that will be completed during the project. Make sure you understand what is included in the scope of work before signing anything. If there are any items that are not listed in the scope of work, you should ask the company about them before signing the contract. This way, you can avoid any hidden fees or unexpected costs.
Liability insurance: One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a foundation repair company is whether or not they have liability insurance. This type of insurance protects you from any damages that may occur during the repair process. If a company does not have liability insurance, they may try to pass the cost of damages onto you. This could cost you a lot of money, so it is important to ensure that the company you choose is insured. Good companies have liability insurance listed on the contract, so be sure to look for it.
Warranty: Another important factor to consider when signing a foundation repair contractor is the warranty. Most reputable companies will offer some warranty on their work. If anything goes wrong with the repairs, you can contact the company, and they will fix it for free. Be sure to read over the warranty carefully before signing anything. You should also ask the company how long the warranty is good for. The longer, the better, as this means that you are more likely to be covered in case of any problems.
Cost factor: This goes without saying, but the biggest red flag in any foundation repair contract is the cost. Depending on your negotiation skills, some companies will provide a lump sum budget while others will provide a breakdown. And as a rule of thumb, always go with the latter. A company that provides a lump sum budget is likely trying to hide something. They may not be including the cost of permits, or they may be using lower-quality materials. It is always best to choose a company that provides a breakdown of the costs to know exactly what you are paying for.
Assurance of stability: You can call a foundation repair company for any number of reasons. But regardless of the reason they are there, every foundation company will give you an assurance of completion/ repair. This is important to consider when signing because it outlines the company’s responsibility to you. You can hold them liable if they do not complete the repairs or something goes wrong. This is why it is always best to choose a company that offers assurance or warranty on their work.
The devil is in the details: One of the best things a foundation contractor can do is include everything in the contract. From the type of repair technique to be used to the estimated timetable for completion, every detail should be accounted for. A company that is vague about the repair details is likely not a company you want to work with. They may try to upsell you on additional services, or they may not do a quality job. Either way, it is always best to choose a company that is clear and concise in its contract.
Get everything in writing: This may seem obvious, but it is important to get everything in writing before signing anything. This includes the cost of the repairs, the scope of work, the warranty, and anything else you discuss with the foundation repair company. Having everything in writing will protect you if something goes wrong during the repair process. It also allows you to hold the company accountable if they do not complete the repairs or if they do not live up to their side of the bargain.
These are just a few things you should consider when signing a foundation repair contractor. By taking the time to read over the contract and understand the details, you can protect yourself from any problems that may arise during the repair process. If you have questions about what to look for in a contract, ask your foundation contractor. They should be able to provide you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision about who to hire for your foundation repair needs.
