One of the most effective techniques to repair your commercial building foundation is to install helical piers.
These manufactured steel pins are essentially screwed into the soil under your foundation and permanently secure your building.
But first, you need to make sure you’re hiring the right company to do the work. Keep reading below to learn the six questions you should be asking a foundation repair company before tapping them for the job.
1. What’s Their Experience With Helical Piers?
Never hire a repair company without finding out how many years of experience they have. This is important advice in any situation but particularly with helical pier installation.
A commercial helical piers installation company needs to be familiar with multiple methods of repairing commercial foundations and have the expertise to diagnose your particular issue.
Look up a company’s online reviews and research them on websites like Yelp or the Better Business Bureau.
2. Are They Experts in Foundation Repair and Waterproofing?
Securing commercial foundations with helical piers is a quicker and easier solution than pouring concrete.
An expert repair company should also possess a comprehensive knowledge of foundation repair and waterproofing.
This is because they may encounter other issues like foundation cracks or water seepage that will need to be addressed before the piers are installed.
3. Can They Point to Any Past Projects?
Are you about to hire a foundation repair company to do a helical pier foundation installation on your commercial building?
Ask the company to show you some of their past projects. Make a point to discuss the challenges of each project and whether they were a success.
4. Do They Offer a Warranty of Work to Install Helical Piers?
Many foundation repair companies offer a warranty of work. Avoid any companies that don’t offer anything to their customers.
Warranties vary depending on the company. They can range from five years to a lifetime warranty. We recommend asking for a lifetime transferrable warranty on your helical pier installation.
5. Are They Certified Helical Pier Installers?
There is no requirement that foundation repair companies be certified. But, it shows the customer they are dedicated to their craft and strive for excellence.
We recommend hiring a helical pier foundation installer that holds a certification in foundation repair and waterproofing.
USS, for example, is a member of the NAWSRC. This organization certifies waterproofing and structural repair contractors.
6. What Pricing Structures Do They Offer You?
The last question you want to ask a foundation repair company is how much they charge for commercial helical piles installation.
More importantly, you want to ask about their pricing structure. Do they offer a fixed-price proposal or an estimate that may change down the road? Are they forthcoming about the installation steps and what changes may affect the final price?
Commercial Foundation Repair Experts
Here at USS, we specialize in helical pile foundation installation. These piles or piers are best used for existing buildings or additions.
Call us today at 847-382-2882 if you have any questions about how to install helical piers or if you’d like to schedule a free consultation.
