What to Ask When Hiring a Foundation Repair Contractor
Hiring a foundation repair specialist to has a lot to do with your family’s comfort as well as the foundation of the home itself. Having a strong and sturdy foundation will give you and your family peace of mind. When searching for a foundation repair contractor, there are some questions that can ensure the company is capable of giving you that peace of mind. Learn what to ask when hiring a foundation repair specialist. To get a free consultation, contact Magnum Piering.
Educate Yourself
There are a lot of foundation repair options and which one is used depends on where the home is located, the type of soil surrounding the home and the weight of the home. Between helical piers, push piers and auger piers, learn the basics of what each method entails and learn what the differences are. The more you know, the better a conversation you will be able to have with a contractor working on your home.
Depth Clause
The majority of contractors will have a depth clause. This means that the depth of the hydraulic piling will go to a specified depth (around 20 to 30 feet) and any deeper than that, there could be an additional charge, from $20 to $30 per foot. If there isn’t a depth clause the contractor may just stop at the depth where he is guaranteed a profit, rather than continue on to a depth that would cost him more and not get compensated for it.
Landscaping
In some cases, shrubs or bushes around the base of the home will need to be removed in order for the contractor to have enough space to install the foundation piers. The shrub or bush may not survive after being replanted. This isn’t quite as big of a concern in comparison to having a strong and solid foundation, but it is something to consider and could become an extra cost if the plants do not survive and need replacing completely.
Warranties or Guarantees
Both are very important for foundation repair work. Consider how long the warranty is (Is it a lifetime warranty or 20 years?), what is covered under the warranty and does it cost extra, or can it cost extra for an extended warranty. One thing to keep in mind is that the warranty is only as good as the company that backs it up. If the company goes out of business, the warranty could be moot. Some contractors may have access to a national warranty trust program, in which case it could be transferrable.
Products
The foundation repair contractor should have a wide range of helical and push piers and other products in order to repair a wide range of foundation issues. These products generally last around 20 years, but asking how long they last should be on the list of questions. Some products come with a protective coating which will help them last longer than average. If the products do not have this protective coating, be sure to ask how long the piers are expected to last.
At Magnum Piering, we have superior design of all of our products, including helical piers, helix foundations, anchors, tie backs, resistance piers and push piers. We offer an unbeatable training and support program for our nationwide network of installers. To learn more about our services, contact us today.