Don't Let Your Foundation Repair Costs Spiral Out Of Control With These Tips

Foundation repairs can be complex and costly and are definitely not a do-it-yourself project. If not done properly, your home and the costs can become a bottomless pit – literally. So it pays to do your research and find a suitably qualified and competent contractor.

Research

Whether your foundation is cracked or bulging, or your basement is leaking and wet, try and educate yourself first of all about the different repair methods. You will then be prepared if the contractor tries to blind you with science. Shop around and get detailed quotes from at least 3 contractors. At a minimum, anyone you select should have had their methods evaluated by the International Code Council Evaluation Services (ICC-ES), who are non-profit and ensure code compliance.

Check the credentials

Make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured. Warranties and guarantees for the work done are crucial if anything goes wrong or further work is needed. The company should also have a warranty trust, which will back this if the company goes bust.

Cost

There are a lot of cost variables involved in this sort of work and costs can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. A lot will depend on the causes, the accessibility of the defective area, and the repair methods required. A good contractor will limit the depth of hydraulic piling in the contract and charge extra if it has to go deeper. This shows they are realistic about the work, so be wary of anyone who makes big promises.