8 Questions to Ask Your Basement Waterproofing Company

Apr 27, 2023

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Originally Posted On: https://armoredbasement.com/8-questions-to-ask-your-basement-waterproofing-company/

Approximately 60% of households in the US have wet basements and run the risk of basement mold. Apart from mold, moisture in your basement could also compromise your home’s structural integrity and lead to a host of respiratory complications.

That said, there’s only one sure way to keep your basement moisture-free, and that’s to waterproof it. Basement waterproofing entails applying a waterproof membrane or sealant on your basement floor and walls to prevent water from penetrating it.

It’s super difficult and borderline impossible to waterproof your basement by yourself. You’ll need a basement waterproofing company to do it for you. Asking all the right questions is imperative to finding a proper basement waterproofing company to waterproof your basement.

Today, we’ll be highlighting a couple of essential questions you should ask any basement waterproofing service before hiring them.

What Is Basement Waterproofing?

As mentioned above, basement waterproofing is a collection of measures taken to ensure water doesn’t get into the basement. They are three main methods of basement waterproofing, namely:

Exterior Waterproofing: These are waterproofing measures that you install outside your home. They restrict water from reaching your basement from the outside. Some exterior waterproofing methods include coating the exterior basement walls and exterior drainage systems.

Interior waterproofing: As the name connotes, interior waterproofing entails waterproofing measures you install inside the basement. They include sealants and coating membranes on the basement’s interior walls and floor.

Drainage waterproofing: Issues with your drainage may allow copious amounts of water into the basement. Drainage waterproofing involves repairing or revamping drainage systems to ensure the basement stays water fee.

The waterproofing contractor will settle on the most suitable method for your particular situation after the initial inspection. They will then give you a price estimate and an estimate of how long the project will take. If everything checks, you can schedule a date for the actual waterproofing.

Questions to Ask a Basement Waterproofing Company

With that out of the way, let’s look at a few vital questions you should ask a basement waterproofing service before hiring them. Before making a hiring decision, be sure to ask the following questions.

1. Do You Have a Valid License and Proper Insurance Coverage?

The first thing you should ask any basement waterproofing service is whether they have a valid license. Most states require waterproofing companies to have a valid license or permit to carry out their operations. Steer clear of any waterproofing company without proper licensing.

Apart from the permit, ensure the company has comprehensive general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. The former protects your property from damage, while the latter shields you from liability in case of any worker injuries. Ensure the waterproofing contractor has both for seamless servicing.

2. How Much Experience Does the Company Have?

The next thing to ask is how many years the company has been in service. Typically, the more experience a company has, the better it is for you. That’s because the company staff will have garnered a lot of skills and experience during their years in service.

Apart from experience, it’s also a good idea to look at how many clients the company has worked with before. Pay special attention to waterproofing projects similar to yours. Were the services up to standard?

3. Do You Have a Warranty or Guarantee for Your Work?

Any waterproofing company worth its name will happily guarantee or warranty their work. This shows that the company is confident in its quality of service and will stand by it. If the company offers a warranty, be sure to ask the following follow-up questions:

How long is the warranty
Does the warranty cover both materials and labor
How often does the company fulfill warranty agreements

If you’re looking to sell your home, look for a lifetime transferable warranty that also covers the next homeowner. Read the warranty’s terms and conditions carefully to know whether it works in your best interest.

4. Do You Have Any References I Can Talk To?

Ask the company to give you contacts to clients they’ve worked with before. Any company with an extensive list of satisfied clients will be more than willing to do so. If the company is a bit hesitant to give you references, you might be dealing with the wrong people

Make some time to call these previous clients and ask for their opinion on the company’s services. Contact the company’s most recent clients and those whose projects were completed several years ago. Doing so gives you a clear picture of what to expect from the company.

5. What Makes Your Basement Waterproofing Method Ideal for My Case?

There are several basement waterproofing solutions that apply to different scenarios. It’s important to ask the waterproofing company why the method they chose works best for your basement. Be keen on the waterproofing process and the materials needed.

Although you’re not a waterproofing pro, analyze the proposed method and see whether it makes sense. Do some research on the materials to ensure the waterproofing contractors only use top-grade materials.

Lastly, make sure the solution will solve the problem permanently.

6. Will the Work Be Intrusive?

Some basements require extensive work to ensure they’re completely waterproof. This may include a bit of excavation to install an interior drain system. Remember to calculate the cost for drywall and paint repairs.

Ask the Right Question for the Best Results

Be sure to ask the right questions if you’re looking to land the best basement waterproofing company for your basement. It’s always a good idea to explore all your options before settling on a waterproofing contractor. Don’t forget to check reviews on Yelp or the Google to get a firm idea of who you’re working with.