Key Takeaways
- ✓Always verify credentials and insurance before signing any agreement — licensing laws vary by state.
- ✓Get at least three written quotes to understand market-rate pricing and avoid being overcharged.
- ✓Ask the five key questions before committing — they reveal experience, process, and red flags fast.
- ✓Trust your gut: a professional who pressures you to decide quickly or is vague about pricing is a warning sign.
5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring
These questions cut through the sales pitch and surface the information that matters. Write them down — bring them to every consultation.
- 1
How many foundation repair projects like mine have you completed in the last year?
Volume and recency matter. A provider who handles dozens of similar cases per year has refined their process and is less likely to encounter surprises. Ask for specific numbers — vague answers like "many" are a yellow flag.
- 2
Can you provide references from clients with similar needs?
References from comparable projects are far more useful than general testimonials. When you call references, ask: Was the work completed on time? Were there unexpected costs? Would you hire them again?