All foundations settle into the soil somewhat, which is normal. But if your foundation settles unevenly, it can cause severe structural damage. A house leveling contractor can correct these issues by raising your foundation using various methods, including helical, steel, concrete pilings, and mud jacking. But how do you choose a house leveling contractor?
Experience
The level of experience of house leveling contractors Killeen, TX, will significantly affect how well the work is completed and how successful you are at resolving your foundation issues. An experienced contractor will have the knowledge and expertise to assess your situation, determine the best course of action, and provide you with an accurate and fair quote. If you have a slab-on-grade foundation, a good house leveling contractor can restore your home to its original position by underpinning the settled area. However, if your house has a crawl space foundation, it may be more challenging to get back to its original location due to the nature of the soil in which your home is built. Crawlspace foundations, or post and pad foundations, tend to heave upwards when the clay soil they are built on absorbs water, causing it to expand and heave your home upward.
Reputation
Before hiring any contractor, check their reputation online. This is an easy way to find out if they’ve been reported for unethical business practices and how many people have had bad experiences with them. It’s also important to look at the quality of their work. Make sure to get multiple estimates from different contractors before making a decision. This will help you to avoid a lowball contractor who may be cutting corners or desperate for work. A good house leveling contractor should be able to provide you with positive references from their past clients and give you an idea of the kind of work they’ll do. A reputable foundation repair company can explain its processes and answer any questions.
Insurance
Having proper insurance is essential for both the contractor and the homeowner. A reliable house leveling contractor will have workman’s compensation and general liability coverage if an accident occurs on your property. They should also carry a dishonest bond. Avoid contractors who grumble about providing you with these documents. Another critical question is what type of warranty does the company offer? Typically concrete leveling warranties range between 2-10 years, with some even offering lifetime warranties. Be sure to read the fine print, as some companies will hide exclusions in their warranties that can make them less appealing. It is also helpful to ask if the company offers any financial options to help you manage the cost of your project. For instance, some contractors allow credit card payments which can be helpful if you need to finance the repairs.
Equipment
During the house leveling process, a foundation repair contractor uses heavy-duty floor jacks to lift sections of the lower floors. A crew member will be inside the home with a Ziplevel taking continuous floor elevation readings to monitor the house lift and ensure maximum practical recovery. Foundation settling and heaving can cause structural problems like slanted floors, warped window/door frames, and cracks in walls and ceilings. House leveling raises and relevels sinking areas of a foundation and helps to eliminate these issues. However, the source of the problem must also be fixed to prevent future damage from occurring. Some uniform settling is normal, but when a homeowner notices one area of the house that is notably higher or lower than other parts, it’s time to call a house leveling contractor for professional help.
Pricing
A home’s foundation is one of its most important and expensive components, so it must be level and supported correctly. A company that offers house leveling services should be able to explain the process and offer an accurate pricing structure. If a salesperson needs to gain knowledge about house leveling, you should keep looking for another contractor. This person will evaluate your most significant investment and should be experienced in spotting potential problems. While a certain amount of uniform settling is average, differential settlement can cause structural damage and require professional attention. A qualified house leveling contractor can correct this problem by lifting the sinking areas of the home using mud jacking and installing helical piers underneath. This can fix slanted floors, cracks in walls and ceilings, warped door frames, and more!