Is your basement or crawl space damp, moldy, or musty? You might consider hiring a basement waterproofing company to solve your water issues and ensure that your home is dry, healthy, and functional.
Unfortunately, basement waterproofing contractors have the highest callback percentage among contractors, so it can seem overwhelming to find the right contractor to provide waterproofing services.
It is essential to talk to several basement waterproofing contractors and ask the right questions. What questions will help you decide which basement waterproofing business is the best for the job?
1. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Before any work is done to their home, homeowners need to ask this question. It’s particularly important to find out if the contractor is licensed and bonded for basement waterproofing. If they are, you might need to obtain a building permit.
Even if a permit is not required, bonding, liability insurance, and workers’ compensation can help you financially in the event of an accident on the job or damage to your home.
2. How many years have you been in business?
Knowing how long a company has existed will give you a better idea of their experience providing basement waterproofing services. If a company has been in existence for some time, it is likely to have had success and will be able to continue being in business.
It is a smart idea to look for a basement waterproofing contractor with a history of satisfied customers. You should ask for references and then call some customers.
Customers who have had work done several years ago should be contacted to tell you about their experience. Using Google or social media can provide a source of reviews for past work from a particular contractor.
3. What Solutions Do You Offer?
Waterproofing contractors employ a variety of tools and techniques to solve water problems. These include:
- Sump pumps
- Downspouts
- Waterproofing Membranes
- Excavating
- Re-grading
- French drains
- Drainage for driveways
- Window well and stairwell drainage
- Crack and Structural Repair
- Erosion control
Some contractors only offer interior drainage systems. Some contractors will only offer exterior drainage systems. Others will offer both. Competent contractors won’t just provide a one-size-fits-all solution but will tailor their approach to your particular project.
4. What will the finished work look like?
The quality of work will affect the appearance of your house if your home requires extensive repairs, such as an exterior excavation or an interior drain system.
You should ask the contractor about the materials they will use and the depth of the trench. It’s also important to ensure that the work is done professionally and neatly.
5. What guarantee or warranty do you offer for your work?
Find out the duration of the warranty offered by the company. Is the warranty valid for labor and materials? Will they return to warranty coverage? A lifetime transferable warranty is ideal. This warranty can be transferred to your next homeowner after you have sold the house. Also, make sure the sump pumps are covered for life. A long, complicated contract should be a red flag. Contracts should be short and concise.
6. Have you ever experienced any failures?
A trustworthy contractor who has been in business for many years and completed hundreds of installations will likely have experienced a failure. It’s not a sign that your contractor is bad.
It is important to ensure that your contractor is open and honest. You should ask them to tell you the story and how they fixed it so that it doesn’t happen again.
7. What is the sump pump’s discharge capacity?
Contractors should be familiar with their system. The contractor should be able quickly to tell you the discharge capability. The capacity of a waterproofing system determines its ability to move water. This information is vital in order to make the best decision.
8. Are there any additional costs?
Waterproofing can cost more than repairs. It is not unusual for the final cost to exceed the initial estimate. You might have to pay for furniture or equipment to be moved. An electrician will be required to install a dedicated outlet if you are installing a sump pump. Installing an interior drainage system in a basement might require you to hire someone to repair or repaint the floor covering. It is essential to know what questions you should ask any contractor who offers waterproofing services.
You should feel more confident in your ability to choose the right basement waterproofing contractor after reading this article. You need to be careful and choose a knowledgeable, experienced, affordable, and reasonable price.
The SANI-TRED Alternative
Over 100,000 do it yourselfers have permanently waterproofed their basement using SANI-TRED waterproofing products. Our easy to follow guides, and helpful support staff can walk you through your project, and save you thousands of dollars over a waterproofing contractor.