Most home-owners and buyers in San Diego place foundation reapair and other issues at the top of the list when it comes to stressful home repairs. While it’s easy to change out fixtures and renovate flooring, making repairs to a home foundation in San Diego can feel daunting, to say the least. The entire structural stability of your home is reliant on a safe and high-quality foundation. Unfortunately, many of San Diego’s older homes do require foundation repairs due to our expansive soils and poorly-designed drainage systems. To help ease the process, we put together a list of tips to help you tackle your foundation repair project.
Look for a Licensed Contractor
The California Department of Consumer Affairs publically lists information on licensed contractors in the state. Although there’s no guarantee that every contractor listed will be a good fit for your project, it’s an essential first step to determining whether or not a company is reputable. A good, licensed contractor will list their license number on their website.
Check How Long The Company Has Been in Business
Unlimited Drilling has been serving San Diego since 1993. That’s over 20 years of experience. Working with a contractor that has decades of experience can help ensure two things. First, this ensures that they have been exposed to a variety of foundational problems and solutions. This is particularly important in the San Diego market, as our diverse range of local soils requires special care when it comes to laying and repairing foundations. Second, the longevity of the company speaks to the quality and durability of the work. This history suggests that past projects have endured the test of time.
Ask for References
Don’t be afraid to ask your contractor for references. You can ask to speak with past clients, current clients, and any relevant sub-contractors. This will help you build a picture of the type of projects the contractor has worked on, and what type of relationships they maintain with their clients and professional network.
Get Multiple Estimates
Don’t go with the first quote you receive. Do your homework and talk to a number of companies. Keep in mind that you won’t always want to go with the cheapest option. Different contractors may offer different approaches to your repairs- you’ll want to get a range of opinions to determine the best long-term solution for your foundation. This is not an area to skimp on, so be sure to ask for detailed estimates and cost break downs, possible delays, and most importantly, possible increases to budget down the road. By doing your homework, you’ll hopefully avoid some surprises.
Ask About Permits
In San Diego, the contractor that you choose for your foundation repair will be responsible for obtaining a permit before starting the work. Permits and regulations vary by region, so make sure to work with a company that is knowledgeable and can speak to the needs of your project.
Know the Difference Between Contractors and Subcontractors
Unlimited Drilling in San Diego is unique in that they do most of their foundation repair “in-house”, and do not subcontract repairs to another company. This ensures that you will be working with one team from start to finish, and fosters a level of consistency and customer service to help your budget and timeline stay on track.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or own multiple buildings, working with a good foundation repair contractor will be in your best interest. Paying attention to the above key criteria like importance of licensed contractors, can help you find a company that will keep your foundations in good shape for the long haul.
For more information about Unlimited Drilling’s services, check out their website here.
