If you have made the decision to have your leaky basement repaired and get rid of the water in the basement, then it's time to look at hiring a basement waterproofing contractor. The question then becomes, how do I find the best one? Here are some good tips to help.
Choosing the right contractor for the job is not something you want to do hastily. You will want to take your time and get several estimates for the job. Since basement waterproofing is a significant cost, get at least 3 estimates from various contractors before making any decision. Even getting as many as 5-6 is not unreasonable.
Where do you find a basement waterproofing contractor? You can start with family and friends of course. Perhaps they have used one for their wet basement in the past. There is nothing better than a firsthand experience to let you know about a particular contractor. Co-workers may also have some firsthand experience with their basements as well. You never know until you ask.
Next, you could check with the National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors (NAWSRC). Many contractors are members of this organization. In addition, they also have loads of information on basement waterproofing. Finally, you can go through the Yellow Pages and call the contractors you find there.
Now that you have your list it's time to schedule them to come out and give estimates on your wet basement. One of the most important things you will want to do is get a list of references. Check some of them out and get an idea of their quality of work. Ask questions when they are there. How long have they been doing this type of work? How long will the job take? Will they be working full-time on your home only, or will they be doing other jobs as well? You certainly do not want your basement torn up and have to wait a month while the company completes other jobs in the meantime.
Also, make sure you get a water proofer that offers a transferable 30 year - lifetime warranty. Then, get a written estimate from them and look over the fine print. The estimate should include details on everything the contractor will do, costs, and the amount of time to complete the job.
Finding a basement waterproofing contractor isn't difficult by itself, but finding the right one who is reputable and does quality work will take a little effort on your part. The results though, will be more than worth it. You'll be enjoying a dry basement for many years to come.
