Does Your Contractor Have Your Best Interest In Mind?

Foundation repair is often costly. You should know how to have clear conversations with your contractor, because you need all the information at hand to make a sound decision. Know how to ask the right questions, so that you can protect against a contractor with the wrong agenda.

Don’t sign at the sales meeting

Even if the contractor offers a discount for immediate signing, you are signing away your ability to do your research. Above all, your project is important enough to be worth taking the time to find the right contractor.

Watch for scare tactics

Foundation problems develop over decades. As a result, unless you are facing extreme scenarios you will have plenty of time to make your best plan and fix your foundation.

Ask for alternate options to solve problems

Are there other options that can solve your problem? Your contractor may seem very sure of a single solution, however, if your contractor only offers one solution, ask around.

Get multiple bids

Experts agree that you should get 3 bids for a major construction project. A contractor who values your business will be willing to wait for you to be sure they’re the right fit.

Home inspection report

Not all home inspectors have a strong foundation background. Because foundation repair can be so specific, you should be sure to contact an expert on foundations for a clearer perspective.

Foundation Repair is a serious investment

The literal structure of your home is worth making a careful decision. In other words, you should not hesitate to spend a little time talking to the right people and reading up to make sure you get it right.

Geotechnical and Structural Engineering

Because foundation repair can require very specific solutions, structural and geotechnical engineers can be important to the process to ensure that your new foundation is up to the task. As a result, expert’s advice on how to address the problem can be invaluable.

Building Permits

Most major construction projects require building permits. You should make sure that any permits you need are included in the bid.

Licensed, Insured, Bonded

Find out whether the contractor has a license to do the relevant work. Take the time to look into their insurance policy. Do they have the bonds that will protect your project? Understanding all the requirements of your project can be confusing, however all of these answers can prevent a lot of headache at the end of the day.

How can you tell if your foundation needs work?

1. Sloping floors – If you put a marble on your floor if the slope is severe enough you will notice it with the marble.  Sloping floors occurs when foundations settle or sink unevenly.
2. Binding doors and windows – If your doors and windows are hard to open and close, that could be because of a shift in your foundation. If your doors and windows were properly installed, using appropriate screws and mounting techniques, then your foundation could be the culprit.
3.  Cracks in foundation – Most foundations have cracks in them. As concrete cures it will shrink, if it cannot shrink evenly it will crack.  Some cracks are more serious than others, such as horizontal cracks and cracks that are not straight lines.
4. Cracks in drywall or plaster – Often, as a building ages, cracks might appear in the drywall or plaster. This is not unusual. Cracks could be a caused by moisture change in wood, or rapid temperature changes. Settling and shifting of the foundation can also create these cracks. Wide cracks that are angled or diagonal could be signs of a bigger problem.
5. Flaking or chipping concrete – If the concrete finish is no longer smooth that might be a result of a higher water content when pouring the concrete. Water infiltration can also be a factor. If your concrete has chipping or flaking it can be resurfaced, if the problem is bigger a replacement might be necessary.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, call us today!