5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Basement  

Waterproofing Contractors  

Whether you are looking to repair an identified basement water problem or looking to  prevent one, choosing a Basement Finisher is an important decision. It’s your home- your  greatest investment. When choosing a waterproofing contractor, you need to protect your  home, your wallet and your peace of mind! So, where do you start? By keeping the following  key questions in mind, you can choose the right Basement waterproofing contractor and at  the same time, money, and frustration.  

 

 

 

1. Is your company licensed & insured?  

Sure this seems like a no-brainer, but this question is especially important when evaluating a  basement waterproofing company. The nature of the work of basement finishing companies  may require a local building permit. Additionally, a company that is bonded or carries liability  insurance can provide you with the protection you need should something go wrong with  your waterproofing job. If a company is not licensed, bonded or insured, move on to  evaluating another company – fast.  

2. Are you trained in basement waterproofing contractors?  

You would not hire a delivery man who does the occasional surgery on the side for your next  surgical procedure. So why consider somebody other than a waterproofing specialist for  your basement waterproofing contractors . Companies who specialize in basement finishing  & waterproofing should have extensive knowledge about various strategies to repair and  prevent basement water issues and should be able to provide you with a solution tailored to  your particular basement water problem.  

Look for companies that are recognized and certified by professional basement  waterproofing associations. Certain associations, such as The National Association of  Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors (NAWSRC) and the Basement Health  Association require that companies demonstrate a certain level of professional knowledge  and proficiency, participate in continuing education and abide by a certain code of ethics.  

 

3. Provide reputation status in community with references?  

A company that will not provide references or speak about their reputation in the community  is a huge red flag. Take the time to do your homework. Consulting independent customer  reviews from sources that do not take advertising monies (i.e. Angie’s List) is a great way to  learn about other people’s experiences with a company. Independently confirm at least two  or three references from satisfied customers, both from recent projects and from projects  completed several years ago. Be sure that a company you are considering has a good  reputation in the community and has been serving the area for many years. The longevity of  a company is a direct reflection of the satisfaction of its customers.  

4. Why your repair is best solution for my basement?  

Beware of companies that offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Not all basement water  problems are the same and therefore there more than just one solution. Look for companies  that provide services to meet your particular needs. A qualified, professional basement  waterproofing company should be able to explain why their recommended solution is the  

best choice for your particular needs and should be able to discuss the applicability of other  waterproofing solutions you may be aware of. Take time to do your homework. Understand  the work that a waterproofing company is suggesting and make sure that it makes sense.  

5. What type of guarantee do you provide with your work?  

A reputable basement waterproofing contractors will provide a guarantee or warranty with  their work. Look for lifetime or long-term guarantees on work performed and materials  used. Make sure you understand the specifics of the warranty/guarantee provided. Do not  even consider hiring a waterproofing company that does not guarantee their work. When  checking references, be sure to ask former clients their experiences with the company’s  warranty/guarantee plan.  

Choosing a company for your basement waterproofing project may seem like an  overwhelming task. Fortunately, by asking these key questions you can choose the right  contractor for your basement project. If you live in Ohio or the Pittsburgh, PA area your  search is now even easier.