The hardest part of getting your foundation repaired is oftentimes hiring the right contractor in the first place. The wrong one can do even more damage to your foundation, with the cost falling on your shoulders later when you have to fix what the shady contractor did. Unfortunately, there are plenty out there looking to rip off homeowners with good intentions by charging them full price, then skimping on quality work. All you want to do is have your foundation repaired or fortified, and these guys take your money and your trust.

Don’t let that happen. There are measures you can take to ensure you don’t fall victim to these unscrupulous “professionals.” Follow these tips for a positive experience with your chosen foundation contractor in Los Angeles:

1. Never pay everything up front. This is a good piece of advice for any professional you plan on hiring for home improvement work, but particularly for foundation repair contractors. It’s normal to be asked to pay a small down payment up front as a good faith gesture; however, consider it a red flag if you’re asked to pay a large sum – or the whole amount — up front. And never pay the full amount beforehand in cash, says the National Consumers League, as you may never see that contractor again.
2. Check if the company has workers’ compensation insurance. They may claim on their website to be covered, but in actual fact, the individual contractor working on your foundation is not covered. Ask specific questions about workers and who’s covered, and ask to see the certificate as proof.
3. Make sure the contractor you’re hiring for the work will actually be providing said work. Many large companies hire subcontractors to perform the actual work – someone whom you haven’t researched to make sure they’re background checked and drug screened. You don’t even know their experience level, and when it comes to foundation repair work, this is critical.
4. Get a few different estimates. Don’t always go for the cheapest price, though. Cutting corners on price now may mean you have to have the work repeated a few years down the line, at great expense to you. Instead, ask what’s included in the price, find out about experience level and know exactly what to expect, line by line. Rock bottom prices generally equate to lower quality, so remember: you get what you pay for.
5. Ask about warranties. Any contractor worth his salt will provide warranties on materials and labor. Get those warranties in writing, and find out the exact terms so you know your investment is protected.

If you’re looking for a contractor you can trust to perform a foundation inspection in Los Angeles, call CXC Contracting for more information. Schedule your inspection at 805-300-8899 today.