What should I ask a foundation repair contractor about? The simple answer: everything! You can’t possibly know enough about your local area, your building codes, your local economy, and your legal rights and obligations if you don’t take the time to research potential contractors. Ask questions about the state of their insurance portfolio and their compliance with local statutes and regulations. Contact Atlas Piers for more information.

How many licenses do they have? This is a common question among homeowners, but one that has no easy answer. A license means that the contractor has passed the relevant exams required for contractor licensing in your state. Most states require a minimum number of working licenses for contractors; however, some require more.

What about liability insurance? This is a standard piece of insurance coverage for most business owners; however, an Atlanta homeowner’s policy usually does not contain adequate coverage. If you are contracting with an individual or a small firm, consider purchasing additional coverage at a local business insurance agency. If you are hiring a large contracting company, speak to your agent about purchasing a commercial liability policy.

What should I ask a foundation repair contractor about the warranty on his or her work? In most states, there is a warranty on the workmanship of the contractor’s products. If a contractor is unwilling to carry a full warranty on the workmanship of the foundation system he or she will not be a good choice for you. If the warranty is limited to material and labor, consider going with another contractor.

What should I ask a foundation repair contractor about their background? It’s extremely important that you choose a licensed and insured contractor. There are several national companies that offer federal, state and local government contracts. Any one of those contractors could potentially earn you a huge contract. Find out exactly who each one has worked for and what types of projects they have completed in the past.

What should I ask a foundation expert about his or her expertise? This is a question that can be used to separate the wheat from the chaff. Do you want a general contractor or one who specializes in basement, foundation and other water damage repairs? In addition, does your company require a minimum level of expertise before completing repairs?

What should I ask a foundation repair company about their certification? A title issued by your state’s department of licensing must accompany any contractor who works in that state. In addition, a contractor’s license in your state may be displayed on a website for consumers to see. A third-party certification, such as those offered by the Better Business Bureau, can provide peace of mind as well.

What should I ask a foundation expert about his or her experience in residential and commercial construction? Ask them how many times they have completed foundation repair jobs and then compare that to how many times they plan to complete similar jobs. This will give you an idea of their level of expertise. Additionally, if you already have a general contractor working for you, ask them how many years of experience they have. If their response is satisfactory, you can rest easy knowing that you are making a good decision when you hire a foundation contractor.

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