Use This Checklist Before Signing a Foundation Repair Contract

Since many home owners and other property owners are about to start on foundation repair (and other projects), now is a good time to think about the contracts you may see. Don't ever sign a contract without reading it first or having it explained to you. With that said, there's several things you need to consider before signing that foundation repair contract. Here's a short checklist you can use to see if things measure up.

• Ask an independent structural engineer (or two or three) for recommendations of a good foundation repair business. Look in the local phone book under "Structural Engineers" or search the web. Ask if the structural engineer is independent or under the employment of a foundation repair company. You want an unbiased opinion and recommendation, so you'll want an independent structural engineer.
• Get at least three local references from the foundation repair company you are considering using. Call these references and find out what they think of the price, the service, the clean-up, etc.
• Ask if the foundation repair companies you're considering handle all the necessary permits. It's rare that they'd make the property owner do it -- but be sure to ask. Red flags should go up if they tell you no permits are needed.
• Find out if permit fees are included in the price quoted in the contract. You don't want to be surprised with additional bills or invoices once the work is under way!
• Make sure you understand when the work will start and when it will end. You should have firm dates for both milestones.
• Is the foundation repair business insured and/or bonded? Did they have proof of this?
• Does the contract explain exactly what will be done, how many piers will be used, and a description of other materials used? Does the contract explain what type of piers will be used? Does the contract explain what will be done once the work is completed? Is the foundation repair company responsible for clean-up and so forth? Is the cost of clean-up included in the price given in the contract?
• Is there a down payment required? Do you understand how much is required for the down payment and how the payment should be made?
• Is there a schedule of payments? Red flags should go up if the foundation repair contractor is asking for full payment before the work is completed.

Finally, go with your gut feeling and intuition. If something doesn't feel write about the contract or the transaction or the foundation repair company, then stop and address the problem. Remember, it's your home or business and you will have to live with (or work in) the building long after the contractor is gone.
Get more information by visiting www.AceFoundation.com.