Hiring a Foundation Contractor in Iowa
Short answer: confirm state registration, insurance and a written scope, and make sure the contractor explains the cause, not just the fix.
Request a foundation inspectionState registration
Iowa requires contractors who earn $2,000 or more a year from construction to register with the state Division of Labor. You can ask for the registration number and look it up.
Permits
Some structural repairs need a city building permit. Ask who pulls it.
Insurance
Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation.
The cause
A good contractor explains why the wall bowed or the slab sank, not only what they'll install.
Written scope
Get the number of beams, anchors or piers, the drainage work and what's excluded in writing.
Warranty
Ask whether the warranty transfers if you sell the house.
Engineering
For major movement, ask whether an engineer will be involved.
Compare fairly
Line up quotes for the same work. A lower price can leave out drainage or follow-up.
Next
See foundation repair.
More foundation repair guides
Request a foundation inspection
Bowing basement walls, new cracks, water on the floor after a storm. Tell us what you're seeing and we'll pass it straight to a foundation contractor, who will call you to set up an inspection and quote.
- Basement walls, cracks and slabs
- Des Moines, Grimes, Norwalk, Indianola and nearby
- Inspection and quote before any work
Bowing wall, cracks or a wet basement?
Send a request and a foundation contractor will get in touch. Requests answered 7 days a week.
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