If your basement is damp or moldy, you need to find the source of the water problem and address it promptly to avoid further damage. A waterproofing contractor can be an invaluable tool in correcting these issues.
What Does A Waterproofing Contractor Do?
The job of a waterproofing contractor is identifying water threats and correcting them efficiently and economically. The right waterproofing contractor can prevent your home from experiencing water or foundation problems in the future and keep your home dry to avoid structural problems and air quality issues. Finding the right waterproofing contractor in your area can make a big difference.
6 Questions to Ask a Waterproofing Contractor
Choosing the right waterproofing contractor can seem overwhelming at times, but as long as you take a look at several contractors and ask them the right questions, it should not be difficult to find someone who can get the job done to your satisfaction.
Here are six questions you should ask a waterproofing contractor before signing on the dotted line.
How Long Have You Been In Business?
How long a waterproofing contractor has been in business is a good indication of their experience. Those who have been in operation for many years will have likely encountered a range of unexpected situations, making them better prepared to handle whatever challenges your project might present.
It is also a good idea to ask how long the waterproofer has been using the system or solution that they recommend for your home; those that have been used successfully for many years are ideal.
Are You Licensed And Insured?
You will want to find out whether a waterproofing contractor you are considering is licensed, and you can ask to see their license and verify it with the issuing board if you have any doubts. General liability and worker’s compensation insurance, meanwhile, can provide financial and legal protection in the event that something goes wrong during your waterproofing project.
What Kinds Of Solutions Do You Offer?
There are a broad range of tools and techniques that can be used to address water problems in a home, including sump pumps, French drains, stairwell drains, structural and crack repair, downspouts, regrading, driveway drains and waterproofing membranes. If you have a particular approach in mind, you will want to ensure that the contractor you choose offers it, as some companies may only work with interior or exterior drainage systems, while others work with both types.
What Is Causing The Water Problem?
It is difficult to determine the best way to address a water problem in a home without uncovering its cause. There are many reasons a home might have a wetness problem, whether it is due to high water tables, a poorly situated sump pump discharge pipe, hydrostatic pressure or another cause.
It is important to ensure that the solution a waterproofing company is proposing will address the source of the home’s water problem rather than simply providing a stop-gap measure.
How Will The Work Affect My Home?
Waterproofing repairs can end up being rather messy, so it is a good idea to ask the waterproofing contractor exactly what they need to do to your home or yard while implementing the solution they recommend.
For interior solutions like drainage systems around the perimeter of the foundation, they will need to cut into concrete slab floors and may also need to drill into cinder block walls. This could require cutting or removing drywall, carpet or sheet flooring in a finished basement. Drywall that is impacted will need to be replaced and repainted, and it might also be necessary to replace or repair the floor covering.
For exterior solutions, such as a wall footing or dragline system surrounding an exterior foundation that is below grade, excavation might be needed, along with the application of a waterproofing sealant on the foundation walls. This could require redoing landscaping and replacing or repainting siding once the work is completed.
What Is Your Price Estimate?
You should ask the waterproofing contractor to give you an estimate, along with a breakdown of what is included in the price. You might also inquire about the possibility of financing and what types of payments they accept.
There are a lot of additional costs that may arise from a waterproofing project. For example, you may need to move heavy furniture or fitness equipment to get the job done. If your interior drainage system is being installed in a finished basement, you need to consider the cost of hiring someone to repair affected drywall and flooring. Do not forget to factor in the cost of an electrician installing a dedicated outlet for a new sump pump. When exterior drainage systems are being installed, there may be landscaping costs involved.
Talk With A Expert Waterproofing Contractor At Waterproof Caulking & Restoration
If you need high-quality waterproofing services for your home, get in touch with the expert contractors at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration to find out more about the right approach to your problems and request an estimate.