When to Call a Foundation Repair Contractor (Expert Advice)

Foundation Repair Contractor

Worried it is time to do something about your old worn-out foundation but you are not sure who to call? Do you need a foundation repair contractor, a structural engineer, or someone else altogether? Do you need a simple foundation repair, replace your current foundation or is slab jacking what you are actually looking for? It is a more confusing question than you might think and the answers can be equally confusing but we are here to help you navigate the situation and help you select the right company to call. 

A damaged foundation is a major concern for any homeowner and if this is the first time you are experiencing this type of issue, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what to do next. No one expects you to be a home improvement expert, that is why home services professionals exist after all. So, let the professionals help guide you through the process and find the right solutions for your home’s foundational needs and concerns. Our foundation repair contractor Peoria IL is ready for the job!

What is Wrong With My Foundation?

Not sure where to start? That is okay, there are different types of foundations, a variety of methods to fix a foundation, and different specialists to consider. So, a good place to start is trying to figure out what is wrong with your home’s foundation. Is your foundation cracked or fractured? This type of damage can often be seen in the walls of your basement but it is always a good idea to have a professional perform a detailed inspection to determine the full extent of the damage to your home’s foundation. These inspections and repairs can be performed by a foundation contractor. 

Now, is your home starting to sink or can you tell it is not completely level anymore? The good news is that these repairs are still best handled by a professional foundation contractor. Sometimes, a more severe repair or remodel may require a structural engineer but if your home is currently safe to live in, you should be fine starting with a foundation repair specialist. A slab or mud jacking repair could be all you need to level your home back out and this is a more cost-effective repair performed by a local foundation contractor. 

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When to Call a Foundation Repair Contractor

The good news is that a foundation repair contractor will likely be able to fix all your damaged foundation needs. Now, you may be asking yourself how long you can wait to have your foundation repaired. Do you need to call someone right away or do you have time to wait? We understand life is hectic and right now might not be the best time to undertake a major home improvement project but the sad truth is, a damaged foundation is not one of those projects you can afford to put off. 

A cracked or sinking foundation is not going to get better on its own and in fact, your foundation will continue to deteriorate. Leading to more damage that will likely cost you more to repair. Plus, let’s face it, you may be able to see some cracks in your basement walls or you are just starting to notice part of the house sinking but that does not tell you how bad the situation is. It is likely that by the time you notice the damage to your foundation that it has been happening for a while. It is always better to call in a professional to evaluate the true extent of the damage and provide you with options to prevent more deterioration from happening. 

How to Choose a Foundation Repair Company?

Repairing your home’s foundation is an important task that cannot be trusted to just anyone. You want to be sure that you hire a professional, well-trained, reputable contractor who will take your project as seriously as you do. With this goal in mind, here are a few quick tips for finding a reputable foundation repair company in Illinois.

Are They Licensed, Insured, and Bonded?

Most, if not all, municipalities in Illinois require home services professionals who work on foundations to be licensed and bonded. So, if you come across a contractor on Facebook or Craigslist and they cannot prove they are licensed, it is better to keep looking for a different contractor for your project.

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This is doubly true for insurance. Never, work with any home improvement or service company, whether it is a foundational company or otherwise, if they cannot provide proof of being insured. If they are not insured and something happens while they are working on your home, who will be stuck paying the bill? That is right, it could all fall on you.

What Do Their Past Customers Have to Say

If you have a close friend or family member who had their home’s foundation repaired in the past couple of years, ask them about their experience. Did they enjoy working with their foundation repair contractor? Was the work completed properly and on time? Do they feel like they received a good value for the price they paid? Getting a referral from someone close to you is great, you know them and know that you can trust them to provide you with honest feedback about their experience.

If you do not have anyone in your life who has recently used a contractor to repair their foundation and thus you do not have anyone to refer a specialist to you, you can still learn from other people’s experiences. Simply, go to Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Facebook and review sites to learn how real people like yourself rate their experience with local foundation contractors. These reviews will tell you if a contractor is honest and provides the standard of work you want for your home.

What is My Next Step?

Now you know that you cannot put off your foundation repair any longer and you know how to find a reputable foundation repair contractor in your area, the next step is to call a few contractors and start getting quotes. It is always a good idea to have at least three contractors bid on any large home improvement project. So, hop on Google, find a couple of reputable foundation repair contractors near you, and start the ball rolling on fixing that old damaged foundation.