Before hiring a foundation contractor in the Houston area, be sure to ask the following questions to vet the proper company:
- Can you show me a project history that includes foundation work like this project?
- Can you provide me with contact information from previous clients?
- Can you give me a detailed progression and timeline for the project?
- What will you do if the site is unstable?
- Will you pull the necessary permits for the project?
- Can you provide a detailed estimate of the project’s materials and costs?
The answers to these questions will give you a good idea as to the quality of the foundation contractor you are considering working with. These questions are a good starting point for conversations that often produce follow-up questions and additional useful information.
Can You Show me a Project History that Includes Foundation Work Like this Project?
The first thing you will need from your foundation contractor is experience, and the best way for a foundation contractor to demonstrate that experience is to provide a project portfolio that includes projects like yours. This means similar foundation styles (slab-on-grade, pier-on-beam, etc.), similar work environments and similar scale of work. Ideally, your contractor will point to projects that are at least several years old, and close enough to your area that you could inspect the quality of work yourself, if you so choose. Nothing beats an in-person inspection if it is possible.
Can You Provide Contact Information from Previous Clients?
Assuming the foundation contractor has a satisfactory project history, it is a good idea to follow up with those clients and get a clear idea of how their project went. If you are consulting with a reputable foundation contractor, they should have previous clients who are willing to provide a testimonial. Some may even be willing to speak with a potential client to relay their positive experience. Ask the foundation contractor for this contact information and follow up. When you do, verify that the contractor hit their timeline and budget goals, and were professional in their communications.
Can You Give a Detailed Progression and Timeline for the Project?
You should ask your foundation contractor this question because it will give you a clear idea of how the contractor intends on installing your foundation(s). They should explain which installation method they will use to ensure proper soil stability and curing. It is not important that they outline every single step, but they should provide enough detail to verify that they have a plan in place. Further, a clear timeline will help your organization determine how disruptive the project will be to your property and ongoing business.
What Will You Do if the Site is Unstable?
It is common for Houston foundation projects to be challenged by poor soil conditions. Clay-rich soils are a problem along the Gulf Coast because they swell and shrink with rain and drought. This places extreme forces on the foundation and is a scenario that contractors generally want to avoid – along with property owners. As such, if the contractor determines that your site contains unstable soils, they should have a plan in place to resolve that. In some instances, this means cutting out the unstable soil and filling the site in with higher quality soils. It could also mean chemically stabilizing the soil with additives or compacting it using a roller. In any case, the foundation contractor should have a plan and the resources to execute the ideal method of soil stabilization.
Will You Pull the Necessary Permits for the Project?
Before breaking ground on your foundation work, you will need the requisite permits from the city. Without these permits, your organization risks fines from the city and potential work stoppages. It is best to pull these permits early to prevent any project delays.
Your foundation contractor should be willing to pull the permits for the project to prevent any issues from slowing the project down. Verify this with your foundation contractor before moving forward.
Can You Provide a Detailed Estimate of the Project’s Materials and Costs?
You probably know that you should not sign onto the project until you are completely confident in your choice of foundation contractor. That is a good idea and should include seeing a detailed estimate that includes a breakdown of all proposed materials and installation services. This estimate will provide you with an opportunity to ask any questions about the project’s scope, including any work order changes. It is important that you have a detailed estimate to work with and reference.
Ask the Right Questions and to Find the Right Foundation Contractor
Foundation work is a major investment and determines the course of future construction as it is literally the foundation of your buildings. That means finding the right contractor for the job, which should be a crew with the experience and professionalism to do it right. It can be tough to identify a company that fits those requirements, but if you make the most of your initial consultations by asking the right questions, it is possible even without industry insider knowledge.
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