Finishing Your Basement - Choosing A Contractor

When you are stricken by the need to have your foundation repaired, choosing a reputable foundation repair contractor is essential. The following suggestions can save your multiple headaches down the road.

Here are some tip-offs to potential rip-offs. A less than reputable contractor:

* solicits door-to-door;
* offers you discounts for finding other customers;
* just happens to have materials left over from a previous job;
* only accepts cash payments;
* does not list a business number in the local telephone directory;
* tells you your job will be a "demonstration;
* pressures you for an immediate decision;
* offers exceptionally long guarantees;
* asks you to pay for the entire job up-front;

Some things you can do:

* You may want to consult with a structural engineer. An engineer can assist in assessing your foundation problem and give you recommendations as to how to repair your problem.
* Ask for and check the contractors' references. When calling the references, ask if problems arose during construction and ask how easy it was to deal with the contractor. Did the contractor do the job as described? Also, check business organizations with which the contractor may be associated.
* Ask the contractors for certificates of insurance. The contractor should have general liability insurance and employee's coverage insurance
* Ask for references from your friends at work and in your neighborhood. Although you may have successfully avoided foundation repair, odds are high someone you know has already been through this experience
* Even though money always is a key issue, do not immediately take the lowest bid. Check out the company thoroughly. Lower priced companies may not spend the time to do quality work or they may skimp on materials.
* Finally, pick a contractor whom you get along with and can work with easily.

Understanding the Paperwork

Many customers get into disappointing situations because they fail to read, read, read, and ask, ask, ask questions! Make yourself read the terms and conditions of the contract and the warranty. Then make sure you let no question go unasked before you sign on the dotted line.

Do not allow a salesman to pressure you into signing the paperwork before you fully understand it. If you need help in understanding the paperwork ask a trusted friend of family member to read it over as well. Make sure you also understand any potential extra expense to you as a result of repairing the foundation and any unfamiliar words or terms. You also need to make sure the contractor understands what you want to accomplish. If you want their warranty to protect the whole foundation then they need to build piers around the whole foundation and so forth.

Discuss the bids in detail with each contractor, making sure that you understand the reasons for any variations in the prices. Do not automatically choose the lowest price.

Find out if the contractor is a member of a professional organization, which has standards, and a code of ethics that are enforced. Also, call your Better Business Bureau to check how long a contractor has been in business and if complaints have been filed.

Comparing costs before hiring a contractor is very important. In doing so, you should solicit at least two bids from prospective contractors. The bids should be based on the same scope of work.

Your request for a foundation inspection will require an on site visit that may last approximately 1-2 hours on the average home. A certified and trained specialist should do these services. These certified people have an understanding of the various movements with the required knowledge, expertise and experience to ensure that you will receive a professional result.

The inspection should include the entire structure:
1. A visual inspection of your home or business with your input to help you and the foundation repair specialist understand what parts of the structure are involved.
2. The specialist should take exterior foundation elevations.
3. The specialist should take interior floor elevations.
4. Indications of cracks and areas of foundation failure should be on their service plan profile.
5. Deliver the service plan to you and educate you about what services are recommended. They should discuss the service plan so you will know what to expect and what not to expect.
6. The service plan should include the type of piers and placement so the structural loads have a high safety factor.
7. Provide an estimated cost for their services.

Be sure that when you receive your quote you understand and feel comfortable with the person and his firm.

Experienced and talented people are not cheap, so care should be taken when you choose your contractor.

Sources
Better Business Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, NHBA

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Robert C. Worstell frequently contributes articles to basementproblems.com as a staff writer. Visit bestcellarbasementsystems.com for all your Ohio basement finishing needs.

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