Do Foundation Repair Contractors Need to Be Licensed?

Sharing is caring!

Hiring foundation repair contractors is sometimes expensive. However, homeowners should never overlook needed foundation fixes! The longer you ignore leaks, spalling, cracks, and other damage, the worse they become. In turn, you’ll end up paying far more for needed fixes the longer you wait to address them.

To save money, some property owners might turn to unlicensed foundation repair contractors or “general handymen” for those fixes. Before you do that, note some vital information about foundation repair and a person’s qualifications to address damage. Then, discuss any further questions you have with a foundation repair contractor near you as needed!

Does a contractor have to be licensed?

No, a contractor does not always have to be licensed. However, in certain states, a contractor must be licensed in order to perform work on residential property. Check with your state's licensing authority to determine if a license is required in your state. Even if a license is not required, the contractor may need to be registered with the state or local government.

Some states require contractors to carry workers' compensation and liability insurance. It's always a good idea to check with your local building department to see if a permit is required for the work you're having done. Many jurisdictions require a permit for any foundation, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) work. Even if a permit isn't required, the work must still meet local building code requirements.

Generally speaking, most areas require licensed contractors for anything affecting your home’s structural stability or overall safety. On the other hand, small tasks like patching drywall or cleaning mildew don’t affect a home’s stability or your safety. In turn, you’re probably not required to hire licensed contractors for these simple fixes. That being said, you also want to ensure you hire someone qualified for the job! Mold cleanup, replacing drywall, and other such tasks are often more complicated than you might assume. Consequently, it’s good to invest in qualified contractors when needed.

Do foundation repair companies have to be licensed?

First, note that laws affecting home repair vary by state and then city or county. Second, ensure you know these laws before hiring anyone for home repair. Third, it’s good to consider more than just legal requirements when it comes to repairs, especially for a home’s foundation.

That being said, note that most if not all, states require a licensed contractor for foundation repair. One reason for this requirement is that improper repairs can mean an unsafe home! Two, unlicensed and inexperienced contractors can miss damaged areas, risking future cracks, chips, and other issues.

While poor-quality repairs might not seem vital, remember that foundation cracks let in moisture. This moisture risks interior mold, wood rot, mildewed carpets, and even insect infestation. These issues are also costly to fix and can make your home very unpleasant for occupation.

Also, note that most municipalities require permits for foundation repairs. If someone reports unpermitted repairs on your property, you might face some heavy fines and fees! Also, your city or county can even contact your mortgage lender and notify them. Since your home is collateral for your mortgage, they have legal recourse for unpermitted repairs.

Lastly, consider that poor-quality repairs affect your home’s value and your ability to sell in the future. In turn, you might end up losing money on the sale rather than selling for a profit! For all these reasons and more, homeowners should only use a licensed, reputable contractor for repairs.

Do you need a license to pour concrete?

Generally speaking, concrete pouring requires both a license and a permit! Again, these requirements vary according to the municipality but usually apply to installing patios, driveways, sidewalks, and especially foundations! One reason to require a license is that poor-quality concrete installation affects a property’s drainage. Two, concrete pouring involves heavy-duty equipment that’s dangerous in the hands of inexperienced amateurs.

On the other hand, most cities don’t require licensing to apply hand-mixed concrete patching materials. In turn, you can typically patch basement walls or exterior concrete areas with store-bought mixes yourself. However, ensure you check with your city or county before proceeding, especially for larger jobs. Also, remember that using a contractor is an investment in your home, ensuring quality repairs that last.

Why hire a licensed contractor for foundation repairs

If you’re still not convinced that hiring a contractor for foundation repairs is the right choice, keep reading! There are many reasons, beyond legal requirements, to invest in their services:

• A licensed contractor should also have adequate insurance. In turn, you can get reimbursed in the rare circumstance of a contractor damaging your property.
• Contractors often have access to materials not available to homeowners, including high-quality foundation concrete mixes. These materials usually last longer than anything you might buy at a hardware store.
• Using heavy-duty equipment such as backhoes and other excavators is downright dangerous! These risk injury to anyone not familiar with their use. On the other hand, an experienced, licensed contractor reduces that risk and ensures safe working conditions.
• Reputable contractors guarantee their work to last, typically for years if not decades! Consequently, you know you can trust their repairs for quality and durability.

Better Foundation Repair San Diego is happy to provide you with this information about foundation repair contractors. Hopefully, it’s useful when it comes to making decisions for your property’s needed fixes. If you’re in the area and need foundation work, call our San Diego foundation repair contractors. We offer FREE inspections and guaranteed work. For more information, use our simple contact form or just pick up the phone and give us a call!