Waterproofing

Waterproofing, The Do’s and The Don’ts.

It seems like every where you turn, there is a waterproofing company out there claiming to have the best system. The reality is that waterproofing a basement or crawl space is based on a few main points.

How to waterproof a basement or crawl space.

Investigate the leak.
The first step is the one that most companies skip. There are many variables in determining what is causing the leak. A honest company will take the time to locate the cause, and design a repair that addresses the cause, and not just blanket the entire home in hopes of containing it.

Designing the repair.
There is no “one size fits all” repair when it comes to basement leaks. A true waterproofing system needs to be designed around the cause of the leak. There are plenty of companies that sell universal systems, but are they right for you? Always be on alert when someone offers a solution with no options. There are interior, exterior, hybrid, and custom systems available. The design portion of the project is the phase where a functional, and economically feasible solution is proposed.

Understanding the solution.
A reputable company will take the time to accurately explain all options. If you do not understand the solution, how can you be sure that the company is right for you. Ask as many questions as you can. A full service company will encourage you to fully understand the process, and the reason for the selected solution.

Hire the contractor that fits.
Before you hire any contractor for any project, you need to verify 3 things. 1. Do you trust them personally? 2. Do you trust them professionally? and 3. Do you understand their solution?

Relax!
Now is the time to sit back and relax. If you have done all of your homework, and trust the company you hire, now is the time to restore the value of your home, and achieve piece of mind.

What not to do!
Here are the most common mistakes homeowners make when hiring a waterproofing contractor.

• Hiring the first contractor they find. Don’t do it, even if it is us. Basement and crawl space leaks are not as simple as many would lead you to believe. There needs to be a couple set of trained eyes look at it. A thorough investigation, with multiple opinions will help you make the best decision possible.
• Falling victim to the urgency pressure. I understand, foundation issues cause stress. A type of stress that feels like a 2 ton rock sitting on your chest. I will be honest, it is a relief to handle the stress as soon as possible. The problem is that many contractors know the stress you are under, and will take advantage of it. If you notice a hint of fear-mongering during the estimation process, then you need to take a step back. Pushing urgency is one of the oldest sales tricks in the books.
• Not examining options. There are multiple types of waterproofing systems. There are interior, exterior, hybrid, and custom designed solutions. Make sure the contractor you hire has information on all of them, and knows what each is for. If they only sell one system, they will be biased on what that system will do.