Compare Foundation Repair Companies

Below are simple checklists that will help you, the homeowner or property owner, compare foundation repair companies – the thoroughness and quality of work performed by any contractor. This chart will help you better compare foundation repair companies against the premier company in the industry, Dawson. In addition, there are important policies that you should be familiar with such as Mandatory (Forced) Arbitration, which severely limits your ability to sue a contractor who performs shoddy work.

Can your Foundation Repair Company give you these Assurances?	Dawson Bell Bottom Piers	Other Contractors Pressed Pilings	Your Contractor ???
Are they able to inspect the piers / pilings for Depth and Alignment?	Yes	No
Are they reinforced with 1/2″ Solid Steel Rebar, including the Cap?	Yes	No
Are they able to resist Uplift and Heave?	Yes	No
Is the soil tested and identified for Load Bearing Capability?	Yes	No
Is there a guaranteed depth on installed interior piers / pilings?	Yes	No
Is there a guaranteed depth on installed piers / pilings for wood sided homes?	Yes	No
Is there a guaranteed depth for installed piers / pilings for monolithic porches?	Yes	No
Can you make “structural changes” without voiding your Service Agreement?	Yes	No
Can the piers / pilings be installed without the risk of cracking the slab, brick, tile, and/or sheetrock? (see the ugly results here)*	Yes	No*
Can the Depth and Size of the installed piers / pilings be designed for each home?	Yes	No
Will the Service Agreement be Void in the case of fire, flood, or sewer leaks?	NO	YES
Are there holes in the center of the piers / pilings to funnel groundwater to the bottom?	NO	YES
Will you lose your right to sue the contractor for shoddy work by a Mandatory Arbitration clause in the contract?	NO	YES

We hope you feel better informed about your options. Dawson installs Bell Bottom Piers exclusively because they are time-tested, proven, and permanent. Most foundation repair companies install concrete pilings because they are more profitable for the contractor – visit our web page that discusses the cost of foundation repair. The construction of Bell Bottom Piers uses the same building concept used to build support columns for bridges and highway overpasses. Doesn’t your home or property deserve the best foundation repair company in the industry? Additional information about the Advantages and Disadvantages of the most common methods of foundation repair are also found on our web site. You can access the page by clicking on the preceding link.

Compare the FACTS	Dawson Bell Bottom Piers	Other Contractors Pressed Pilings
Company Operations
• Have they been in business over 30 years?	Yes	?
• Are the workers full-time employees?	Yes	?
• Do they have insurance to protect the workers?	Yes	?
• Do they have 30+ years of excellent ratings with the BBB? (Better Business Bureau)	Yes	?
• Does the repair agreement require Mandatory (Forced) Arbitration? (you lose your right to sue)	NO	YES
Company Services
• Do they obtain all necessary permits for all jobs?	Yes	?
• Will an Independent Engineering Company inspect every pier (or pressed piling)?	Yes	?
• Do they fill voids under the concrete slab foundation by mud pumping (mudjacking) when needed?	Yes	?
• Do they offer assistance with insurance claims?	Yes	?
• Do they offer assistance with floor coverings?	Yes	?
• Does a supervisor visit the jobsite prior to starting?	Yes	?
• Do they perform a soil core test for proper depth of supports?	Yes	?
• Do they offer low cost tunneling and plumbing?	Yes	?
Foundation Repair Method
• Does the foundation repair method have a 100 year history of reliability?	Yes	No
• Are the supports and cap reinforced with steel rebar?	Yes	No
• Does the support offer resistance to uplift and heave?	Yes	No
• Can you visually verify depth and alignment of the support prior to final installation?	Yes	No
• Can the contractor assure a depth greater than 11 feet (sand and water table permitting)?	Yes	No
• Can you add weight without voiding the Service Agreement?	Yes	No
• Does the support structure allow water transfer to its base?	NO	YES
• Can the installation process seriously damage your home (hydraulic lifting of the home)? (see the ugly results here)*	NO	YES*