It’s a good idea to get a complete list of a contractor’s previous clients over the past few years and contact three to five of them. Also, check the financial health of the company through ratings services such as Dun & Bradstreet, or, for complaints, the California Contractors State License Board’s website.
Workers’ compensation insurance is also an important area to investigate. Because of the type of work involved in foundation repair, it’s especially critical for a contractor to carry it. In a case where a contractor is using a subcontractor for drilling, check the license and insurance status of those companies as well.
Several variables affect the costs of foundation projects, including:
• An assessment by a structural engineering
• A soil assessment report by a geotechnical engineer
• Seismic considerations
• Underground obstacles (from previous work) or natural obstructions
“Right now, there are some general contractors trying to get into the foundation repair industry because the market is slow in some other areas of the business,” says Dan Yust, owner of AcuStruct Inc. in Concord. “Many just don’t have the experience, so you need someone who really knows the risks and has enough experience to know how to make a realistic bid.” A prospective contractor should include a complete plan based on the recommendation of the engineering assessments. Find out what the remedies include and what the process will be if other problems arise after work begins.
