Even though from the beginning, high-quality stumps are used for raising and strengthening the property foundation, you cannot expect those to support the base the same way they did when they were installed. Over time, the quality of the stumps will degenerate due to several damaging factors like the growth of mildew and fungus, rotting of the wooden material due to moisture, termites amongst others.
This is where restumping comes into the picture. With this technique, not only will you be able to replace the damaged stumps to strengthen the existing foundation, but also can make room for extending your house. Since restumping needs proper work, you will need a contractor who can provide you guaranteed work with the assurance of high standards. You might think that choosing a restumping contractor will be easier. But in reality, the process is far more complicated than one can imagine.
You cannot put the safety of your home’s foundation at risk by choosing a restumping contractor randomly. This is why we will talk about the things you should consider before you make the final decision. Stump replacement is one of the best things an individual can do when planning to improve their house structure. It is also necessary to maintain the safety of your house; thus, you need to do it at some point or the other.
How to Choose the Best Restumping Contractor for Your Home?
Start with reputed contractors:
You should restump your old home to maintain its beauty and longevity. Your first work will be to look for restumping contractors who have gained high credibility and popularity in the market. Sometimes, people want to avoid the hassles of choosing the right contractor, and hence, they select a professional just around the corner.
However, this is not the right way to select the contractor since the restumping professional you randomly select might not be the right one. Without impressive credentials, you won’t be able to understand whether he is at all trustworthy. So, always try to choose a reputed restumping contractor for your old house.
Ask about the stumping materials they use:
Using a high-quality material helps to increase the strength of the object. Next, you have to worry about the stumping material that the contractor will use. Let’s say the existing stumps in your house are made from steel. But, unfortunately, the contractor whom you have chosen only deals with concrete or wooden stumps. In such instances, the professional will definitely fail to meet your requirements.
Similarly, let’s say your house needs the stumps of 600mm but the restumping the contractor you have hired can provide only 1000mm stumps. Hence, before you choose the professional, discuss the stump material they use, and the preferred dimensions they deal in. S, try to choose a restumping contractor who will use high-quality material for restumping your house.
Discuss the cost of restumping:
Restumping costs will vary from state to state, based on the permits and taxes. However, you will not have a say in this, since the levied duties will be charged for every contractor. But, at least you can prepare a restumping budget based on other factors that drive the cost of work. To know more about the estimated costs, ask for a detailed quote, and then you can carry on with the budgeting.
Check the services of the contractor:
The next thing you need to consider before choosing the restumping contractor is the service provided? Often the contractors don’t offer floorboard inspection, hence, you will need to hire a professional for an inspection separately.
Similarly, if the contractor doesn’t provide backfilling services, you need to look for another contractor who will refill the stump holes after the installation of new stumps. So, make sure to go through the services offered by the professional and check whether he is capable of fulfilling your requirements.
Make sure to choose a licensed professional:
Lastly, you need to choose a restumping contractor who has a proper license and permits. This way you will be able to detect whether the professional meets all the regulatory standards or not. Never hire a restumping contractor who doesn’t have a license or permit for the job, since they haven’t gone through background checks and scrutiny, therefore, cannot be trusted. It is always a good idea to choose to restore a contractor, who has the license for the construction by the Government authorities.
Conclusion:
Restumping is usually very costly. But, if you choose the right contractor, you will save your house by strengthening the foundation, which will then save your bank balance. Restumping is very essential since the robustness of the stumps will ensure the stability of your home. But, that doesn’t mean you can get the work done efficiently by choosing a random contractor. Make sure to follow our guide so that you don’t put your house’s stability and safety at stake.