Having moisture in your basement is never a good thing, but do you know why exactly? For starters, moisture causes mold to grow and irritate allergies, and can cause thousands of dollars in damage if the moisture gets to the foundation of your house. Luckily, a basement waterproofing company will know exactly how to identify the problem and choose the right basement waterproofing strategy.
If this issue already has you confused, you might be wondering how to choose the right basement waterproofing company in your area.
Don’t worry, because our guide has everything you need to know. Keep reading to learn what to look out for so you can choose the best company for you.
Established in Your Area
As you search for local basement waterproofing companies, make sure to see who’s the most established in your area.
You can figure this out by checking online directories to see your local companies.
Then, you can check the company’s website to see how long they’ve been in business.
While it’s not wrong to hire a company that’s just started out, you should go with an established company with satisfied customers to decrease the chance of mistakes (and costly re-dos).
Ask your neighbors who they’ve called if they’ve had basement flooding. You can also see what companies people call when there are local area floods.
While you may have to pay a bit more for established experts, it will save you money in the long run.
Has Good Reviews
The best restoration company has good reviews from dozens of satisfied customers.
When you’re checking reviews, see what people liked about the company. The most important factors are how well they did the job, how knowledgeable they were, and whether they created lasting waterproofing solutions.
Of course, a couple of bad reviews don’t mean a company is also bad. These customers may have been picky, or the company has learned from its mistakes and improved its service since then.
This is why you should also see which reviews are the most recent. If the bad reviews are the most recent, then the company may have had a change in management.
You want most of the good reviews to be recent. You can also ask the company for references from previous customers.
You might also be wary of regular reviews because companies sometimes pay people to post good reviews for them. This is why it’s a good idea to check review websites like Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List.
At the end of the day, you want to pick a company that’s given consistent service and expertise over the years.
Has the Right Licenses
A huge factor in picking the right basement waterproofing company is making sure they have all the correct licenses.
Not only should the company have certified contractors, but it should also have insurance and any extra licenses.
While many areas don’t need specific waterproofing licenses, these do exist. You don’t want someone with just a contractor’s license to do your basement waterproofing because they may not actually be experts in this area.
Check if the company is certified with any relevant associations, such as The Basement Health Association (BHA).
For example, the BHA offers a Certified Waterproofing Specialist certification. A contractor needs to have at least two years of experience in the waterproofing industry to qualify.
Not only does the BHA have contractors complete a safety and ethics exam, but it also requires 15 hours of continuing education every two years.
Rigorous certification criteria like these make sure that companies continue to uphold excellence and are a great indicator that a company is knowledgable and professional.
Gives a Written Estimate
A reputable waterproofing company won’t ask you for a large down payment. This is a huge red flag and is an indicator of a scam.
Instead, a reputable company may ask you for a small down payment. This is to make sure that you are committed to the job and don’t cancel at the last minute, which is costly for companies.
When you’ve narrowed down your search to a few companies, make sure they see your basement in person. This ensures that they’ll know what work needs to be done.
Remember that a company shouldn’t pressure you into hiring them on the spot. Instead, get an estimate from your top three companies and compare them. Also, keep in mind that the estimate should include any other work that needs to be done.
For example, if you have a water-damaged basement, the company may need to do some additional repairs. A flooded basement likely needs Water Damage Restoration, which will increase the cost of the job.
These should all be included in your written estimate so that you’re not hit with surprise fees later.
Has a Good Waterproofing Contract
Once you decide on your company, don’t go signing the contract just yet.
You need to carefully read over the contract to make sure that everything is in order and that you haven’t missed anything.
Some elements that must be in your waterproofing contract include:
- Name and contact information of the contractor
- Start date and estimated end date
- Description of work and materials
- All payment details
- Contractor licensing number
- Warranty and guarantee
Your contract should also include a clause that states that the contractor is responsible for any injuries that happen while on the job. If a contractor has the right insurance, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Another important reason why you should choose an established company is that they still need to be in business to honor your warranty.
Choose the Right Basement Waterproofing Company
Choosing the right basement waterproofing company can save you thousands of dollars down the line.
To make sure the job is done right and that the results will be long-lasting, make sure to pick a company that has the right credentials, good reviews, and a transparent process.
If you found this article helpful, then be sure to check out more blog posts from our home improvement category.
