Hiring the Right Foundation Repair Contractor in Louisville, KY: What to Look For
If your home’s foundation has experienced damage, you need a foundation repair contractor as soon as possible. Your foundation is the edifice on top of which your entire home rests, so foundation issues can affect your entire house. So today, the team at Aqua Lock is here to talk about how to find the right contractor when you need foundation repair in Louisville, KY.
What Does Your Foundation Do?
Your home’s foundation is the bedrock that supports the entire construction of your house. Aside from supporting your home, the foundation also insulates your home, keeps moisture out, and protects it from movements in the soil and earth. Most foundations sit at least two feet below the surface, below frost lines but above the local water table.
As such, foundation damage can be extremely serious. If you suspect you have foundation problems, you need to call a foundation repair company to handle the issue as quickly as possible. Getting your foundation repaired should be your first priority, but you’ll need to find a good contractor to fix the problem.
Signs of Foundation Damage
Below is a list of common symptoms of foundation failure. If you find any of these signs, be sure to call an expert to perform an inspection and diagnose the trouble.
Wall Cracks
Cracks in your walls are a common sign you need foundation repair. As the foundation shifts and moves, it puts pressure on both the interior and exterior of your home’s structure, causing cracks to spread in a characteristic zig-zag pattern. Homeowners should call a professional to address cracking immediately because it is an extreme safety hazard.
Sinking Ground
When the dirt and earth shift, it can hollow out the earth beneath your foundation, causing it to settle and start to sink. You can tell if the foundation has shifted by the floor in your basement sloping or if water is starting to pool near the foundation of your home.
Drainage Problems
Foundation repair issues can also manifest as problems with water draining. Pipes that run through the floor have a specific pitch to help water drain. When foundations move and shift, the pipes may also move, making water unable to drain. This might cause water backup in your sinks, showers, and tubs.
Mildew and Mold
The presence of mildew and mold is another sign you need foundation repair. Mildew and mold in your basement are signs that water has infiltrated your home, most likely through holes in the foundation. Sealing the holes and removing water is the solution to getting rid of mold and other biological growth.
What to Look for in a Foundation Repair Contractor
Of course, knowing how to find a reputable contractor for foundation work can be tricky. When looking for a contractor for foundation repairs, make sure you consider the following factors.
Ask About Qualifications
The first things to ask about are licenses and qualifications. You need a contractor with in-depth knowledge of foundation work and can complete the project quickly and satisfactorily. More specifically, your foundation company should hold certification from the International Code Council Evaluation Services (ICC-ES). Holding this certification tells you about a company’s expertise and shows they use foundation repair methods that are up to industry standards.
Look at Reviews
Online reviews are a good place to find testimonials because they give homeowners a place to talk about the quality of business services. Try to find online reviews that are not on the company website, as you are more likely to get honest feedback that speaks frankly about the good and bad aspects of the company. Even the best business will have a handful of negative reviews, so the presence of negative reviews shouldn’t necessarily be a deal-breaker.
Verify Insurance
Your foundation repair contractor should also have both liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Without liability insurance, you can be held responsible if one of the contractors sustains an injury on the job site. If the foundation repair company does not have liability insurance, you should look elsewhere for service.
Inquire About a Warranty
Most foundation repair companies offer some kind of warranty on their labor and products. A warranty is important because it will protect you in the event that the contractor performs the job poorly. Without a warranty, you could be financially on the hook if the process doesn’t proceed as smoothly as it should. For example, our warranty covers not only the current owner of the home but also transfers to new owners.
Ask Specific Questions
It always helps to have a handy list of questions available to ask a contractor about foundation repair in Louisville, KY. These questions should help you understand the basics of the business so you can make the right decision about service.
- How long have you been in business? What kind of buildings does your repair work focus on?
- How do you perform an inspection? How long does the typical inspection take?
- What type of foundation repair methods do you use? Are they up to the industry standard?
- Can you explain your worker training process? What kinds of certifications do contractors hold?
- Do you charge a flat price for work or an hourly rate?
- How much liability coverage do you have?
- Can you help me acquire any necessary permits or licenses for construction?
The more specific the question you ask, the better picture you can get about the company’s services, reputation, and quality. When it comes to home foundations, you can never be too vigilant about vetting repair companies.
Foundation Repair Experts in Louisville, KY
Aqua Lock is always looking for ways to provide quality work for an affordable price. When you need an expert for repairing your foundation, we should be your first choice. Customers prefer us over other businesses thanks to our impeccable services and dedication to customer satisfaction.
Contact Aqua Lock online or call today at (502) 495-9450 to schedule foundation repair in Louisville, KY!
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