Choosing the right contractor is critical for the health and longevity of your home. It is essential to take the time to consider the proposed solution, the quality of materials, and the company’s reputation.
Look for companies with reviews spanning at least five years. Check their website for testimonials and contact numbers of previous clients.
Experience
In addition to wasting helpful living space and causing harm to building materials and stored goods, wet basements also contaminate indoor air and pose a health risk to all house occupants. A professional waterproofing company can prevent this by installing permanent solutions to address the issues. The right company will provide a free inspection and quote the repair cost.
Basement waterproofing contractors near me will first need to identify the source of the problem. It can involve inspecting the outside of the house for moisture-related indicators like soggy soil or a drip edge trench near the foundation, searching for wall cracks, and testing the functionality of the drainage systems. The contractor should also look at the yard’s grade to see if it needs to be re-sloped to direct rainwater away from the house.
The homeowner should choose a contractor based on their proposed solution, quality of materials, reputation of the company, and price. A good basement waterproofing company will have plenty of experience and will be able to show a portfolio of their work, including photos, references, and contact information. They should be able to address homeowner’s queries and thoroughly explain their procedure.
If the contractor discovers additional problems during a job, such as a damaged drain tile or a structural issue, they should be able to explain this and estimate those extra costs.
Reputation
Homeowners need to find a basement waterproofing contractor with an excellent reputation. They can check the contractor’s record with local professional associations and the Better Business Bureau for complaints. They can also ask neighbors and friends for recommendations.
Keeping a house’s basement dry is essential for homeowners and their families. It might help reduce the likelihood of mold and mildew, which can lead to harmful health problems. In addition, it can increase a home’s value. However, finding a quality waterproofing company can take time and effort.
To choose an excellent waterproofing company, homeowners should consider their needs and budgets. They should also trust their gut feeling, check references and credentials, and request quotes from several companies. Finally, they should ask the company for a detailed plan of action.
Waterproofing contractors can provide various services, including drain tile installation, sump pump installation, and dehumidification. They can also repair a home’s foundation, refinish its interior, and seal cracks in walls and floors. Some can even install egress windows, which some older homes need. They can also offer various other services, such as cleaning and maintenance.
Reviews
A basement waterproofing company should be able to provide homeowners with references from other customers. It is essential because it will give them an idea of what other people think about the quality of work. Homeowners can also look for online reviews and ratings of the company. It can help them find a company that is right for their needs.
Basement waterproofing companies should be able to offer homeowners long-running warranties. These warranties will protect the homeowner if there are any issues with the product or craftsmanship. It is essential if a homeowner plans to sell their home.
Waterproofing companies should also tell homeowners the best solutions for their homes. It will depend on the severe problem and whether the homeowner has significant leaks or cracks in their foundation. For example, a house with painful cracks in the foundation may need exterior waterproofing. Excavating the ground surrounding the foundation and installing a waterproof membrane are two steps in this solution.
Additional options include interior waterproofing, which entails setting up a sump pump and drainage system in the basement. This method can be more economical and less intrusive than external waterproofing. This solution is less invasive than exterior waterproofing and can be more cost-effective. A good basement waterproofing company should be able to explain the pros and cons of each option.
Pricing
The cost of hiring a basement waterproofing contractor depends on the size of the job and the method used. Waterproofing solutions that involve digging around the foundation, such as a drain or membrane, are more costly than other options. Those repairs require an expert who can adequately excavate without causing further damage or creating new problems.
Another factor affecting the cost is if the house is prone to flooding or has a high water table. The contractors in these areas are usually in demand and can command a higher rate than those in other regions.
Homeowners can get a rough idea of the cost of hiring a basement waterproofing contractor by looking at similar projects in their area. They can also ask for a free estimate from several local companies.
The company should offer a long-running warranty. It protects homeowners against any faulty products or artistry moving forward. It’s also worth checking whether the company is insured, especially if excavation is involved.
Some homeowners might notice stains on their basement walls and floors, indicating it’s time to call for waterproofing. A waterproofing company can repair the stains and ensure water doesn’t leak into the house again. The company can install a window well drain ($3,000-$7,000), which stops the seepage that often happens when rainwater collects in the windows and flows toward the foundation.
