Before hiring a helical pile installer, there are a few things that need to be verified. After all, if there is one thing you don’t want to mess up is what’s holding everything else together.
Helical piles might seem simple on the surface, but for them to be installed correctly and professionally, the team must be up to the task. Trust us! It’s way easier to check these 7 things before the work begins than to deal with a problematic install when it’s already too late.
- Because our goal is to help you feel confident, in this article, we walk you through 7 essential things to check before you hire anyone.
What are the 7 things to verify before hiring a helical pile installer?
Maybe your cousin’s buddy “does this kind of work,” or maybe you’re tempted to just go with the cheapest quote you find online. We get it. When you’re dealing with tight deadlines and a project to move forward, it’s tempting to rush.
However, here is the thing. No one wants to redo a foundation or deal with shifting structures because something wasn’t done right the first time.
So before you give anyone the green light, here are the 7 things you really should verify when looking for a helical pile installer.
#1. Soil conditions and load capacity
Before anything gets screwed into the ground, it’s essential to know what kind of soil you’re dealing with, and also whether it can actually support the structure you’re building.
Clay, sand, and rock, they all behave differently. A good installer assesses the soil conditions and calculates the load capacity needed for your project. If they skip this step, that’s a big red flag.
Without proper testing, you risk piles that shift, sink, or fail over time. Strong foundations start with solid ground, literally. Don’t be shy to ask how they evaluate soil before starting the work.
#2. Plans and specifications
Even if the job seems simple, like installing piles for a deck or a small backyard shed, it still needs a clear plan. A qualified installer works from proper plans and specifications, either provided by an architect, an engineer or created in collaboration with one.
This includes knowing exactly where the piles go, how deep they need to be, and what load they’re expected to carry. If someone shows up ready to figure it out on-site, that’s a no-go.
Always remember that precise planning is not only a suggestion, it is an obligation. Make sure your installer works with clear and approved plans.
#3. Licensing, insurance, and safety record
This one is definitely not the most exciting, but it’s non-negotiable. When hiring anyone:
- Make sure they’re properly licensed to do the work in your area.
- Ask for proof of insurance too (liability).
- If something goes wrong on-site, you don’t want to be the one paying the bill.
While you’re at it, ask about their safety procedures and records. A good installer takes job site safety seriously, for their crew and for your property, and complies with any OSHA regulations and other safety standards. If they get defensive or vague when you ask, take that as a sign.
Professionalism isn’t just about skill or something to promote on a website, it’s mostly about responsibility.
#4. Expertise, experience, and equipment
Like in any other industry, some have years of experience and top-notch equipment, and others, not so much. Ask:
- How long have they been in the game?
- What kind of projects do they usually handle?
- What equipment do they use?
A team of professionals always has the right tools for the job and knows how to adapt to different site conditions.
Experience matters, especially when it comes to something as important as your foundation. You want someone who’s seen it all and knows how to handle it.
#5. Project planning and documentation
A trusted helical pile installer doesn’t just show up and start drilling. They should provide clear documentation along the way and walk you through the :
- Plan
- Timeline
- Number of piles
- Depths
- Locations
That means a written quote, installation report, and proof of alignment with your plans or engineer’s specifications. If everything’s verbal or scribbled on a napkin, that’s a huge problem.
Proper documentation protects you just as much as it protects them. It keeps everyone on the same page and avoids problems mid-project. So don’t be afraid to ask for written details as any real expert already has them ready to go.
#6. References and portfolio
Anyone can say they’re the best, but what do their past clients say? A reputable installer has no problem sharing references and photos of recent projects. Take a few minutes to check them out.
- Were the jobs similar to yours?
- Were clients happy with the results?
- Did everything stay on schedule and budget?
A credible portfolio not only shows skill, it also builds trust. If they hesitate or don’t have much to show, that’s worth a second thought.
Here, you’re not being picky, you’re just doing your homework before trusting someone with the foundation of your entire project.
#7. Underground utility locations
Before any digging or drilling happens, it’s critical to know what’s hidden underground. A professional helical pile installer will always take care of utility locates before starting the job.
That means identifying where are the:
- Gas lines
- Electrical cables
- Water pipes
- Sewer lines
Identifying the nature of underground installations and their exact locations prevents the installers from accidentally hitting something that would then cause serious damage or danger.
For their team, your property, and everyone nearby, you want to work with someone who follows the rules and puts safety first.
Is verification required before installing piles on a property?
Yes, some verifications are definitely your responsibility, while others need to involve professionals or your local municipality.
- For example, you want to confirm that your installer is licensed and insured and that you’ve reviewed their past work.
- However, when it comes to things like soil analysis, building permits, or utility locates, that often requires input from engineers, inspectors, or city officials.
Don’t worry! You don’t have to figure it all out alone. A reliable installer is there to guide you through the process and let you know what needs to be done (and by who).
And if you’re ever unsure about what applies to your project or your area, just reach out! To make sure that everything is done by the book, our network of trusted partners is here to help you and give you the right answers.
10 questions to ask your helical pile installer before signing a contract?
Before officially committing, it’s worth sitting down (or hopping on a call) with your potential installer and asking the right questions. This isn’t about being too picky, it’s about making sure your foundation is in the hands of someone who knows what they’re doing.
Here are 10 smart questions to ask that’ll give you a clear picture of their expertise and professionalism:
- Are you certified, insured and bonded?
- Do you back your work with a written warranty?
- Can you share 2 - 3 recent client references?
- Do you have a project portfolio we can review?
- Have you worked on projects similar to ours before?
- Do you offer design-build support or work from provided plans?
- What’s your safety record, and what precautions do you follow?
- Where do your piles come from, and who manufactures them?
- Who will be the on-site supervisor on the day of installation?
- What information do you need from us to provide an accurate proposal for this project?
Don’t hesitate to take notes, ask follow-ups, and trust your gut. A trustworthy company will gladly answer every question you may have.
Find a reliable helical pile installer near you in just a few clicks!
Choosing the right helical pile installer isn’t something you want to leave to chance. From soil conditions to safety practices, every detail matters when you’re building something that needs to last.
Now that you know what to check and which questions to ask, the next step is simple: let us help you connect with the right installer near you.
- Only by filling out our quick, no-obligation form, our team will match you with a trusted, pre-screened installer in your area who meets the highest standards.
With us, there is no endless searching, just reliable experts ready to get your project off to a solid start.
