What to Look for in Basement Waterproofing and Mold Remediation Contractor

9 Things to Look for in a Basement Waterproofing and Mold Remediation Contractor

Home improvements are frequently do-it-yourself tasks, but basement waterproofing and mold remediation are better left to a professional contractor. Follow these tips to ensure you hire the crew best suited to your project.

6 out of 10 American homeowners have waterproofed or are planning to waterproof their basement. The ready availability of low-cost home equity loans has served to accelerate the pace of remodeling, redeveloping and waterproofing. Rather than sell their house and move on, many people are staying put and turning the old homestead into a fortified castle - increasing its value considerably at the same time.

The surge in leaking basements has created a boom in companies specializing in all aspects of waterproofing and mold remediation. The vast majority of waterproofing contractors are competent, honest and provide good value for homeowners. Where there is money to be made, however, unscrupulous people inevitably appear. Few regions of the country have not been touched by some sort of wet basement mishaps or basement waterproofing scandal perpetrated by sleazy rip-off artists. These take the form of incomplete work, shoddy craftsmanship, second rate materials and just plain take the money and run scams.

What can you do to protect yourself from becoming the next victim of a basement waterproofing or mold remediation do-over? Start by following these 9 tips for selecting the best contractor to work on your basement.

1. Shop around for a reputable contractor. Newspaper, radio and television ads, direct mail fliers, the Yellow Pages, the internet - are all good sources for locating a contractor in your area. You can also ask your neighbors, family or friends for a reference.

2. Look for a company that specializes in the type of work needed. Would you go to a carpenter to fix a broken leg? Of course not! Similarly, you should find a contractor with expertise in dealing with the particular problem(s). For example, if an interior drainage system, or exterior waterproofing is in your plans, contact a basement waterproofing contractor - not a carpenter. If you need new replacement windows because the old ones are leaking, turn to a window company. A specialist will have knowledge and experience that can save you time and money.

3.Make sure the contractor you choose is licensed and insured. You don’t just want a fair price and quality work, you want to be covered on all ends.

4. Interview prospective contractors before you hire them. Make an appointment to meet with the contractor to discuss your project. Most reputable companies will have a sales representative willing to come to your home and speak about your circumstances. Or, if the company is small, the owner might be available. Take the time to get comfortable with your contractor.

5. Ask questions! You need to know as much as possible about what will occur before, during and after construction, and the quality of the materials that will be used. Keep an ear open for evasiveness or vague answers to your questions. If you feel a contractor is trying to hide something from you, you are probably right.

6. Get a firm installation schedule. Don’t accept verbal promises or blurry timetables. A reputable contractor will have a very carefully structured schedule and will be able to tell you (with certain allowances) when the work will be done. Use this schedule to determine if your project is receiving the attention it deserves from the contractor.

7. Set a firm payment schedule. While a set schedule of payments would appear to be of greater concern to the contractor, it should also be of equal importance to the homeowner. If a contractor insists on 100% payment in advance, beware! You may never see him again. Typically, a project will require a down payment of one-third to one-half of the estimated project cost, with the balance due upon completion. Financing your project through the contractor, or through your bank, credit union or finance company, offers more flexibility on your part.

8. Be available when the work is being done. Unless your home will be totally uninhabitable, don’t plan on being absent during construction. Let the contractor know that you will be on hand to make sure work starts on time in the morning, and that the site is clean and buttoned down at night. While you don’t want to be a pest, you do have a right to know what is happening in your home and your presence will have a positive influence on the work at hand.

9. As for coupons and discounts, in the home improvement industry, and particularly in the basement waterproofing business, coupons are generally added to the cost prior to the homeowner receiving a price. Besides tracking advertising, one of the purposes of asking you where you heard about the company, is to determine if you are going to present a coupon, so the price can be adjusted accordingly. Notice that the same companies offering a winter discount, will offer spring savings, summer specials, and fall bargains. As for discounts, an honest contractor will offer you a fair price up front and all the time. They will not offer an ” if you buy now discount ” or a “Special $500 off coupon”, and they will not continually call you offering additional discounts. Besides, what good is a discount if the price is still greatly inflated?

Be cautious and prudent when dealing with any basement waterproofing or mold remediation contractor. You are about to make a substantial investment. The majority of basement waterproofing being performed today comes from water control system companies, not waterproofing companies. Water control system companies claim to do all types of waterproofing, but will always steer you to their method of dealing with a wet basement, which is usually a water control system. In controlling the water problem these systems compromise the structural integrity of the home. Waterproofing is exactly what the name implies, if it is not waterproof it is subject to deterioration. Never contract for a water control system if dampness, seepage and or cracking on the walls are your concern, as this may result in further damage to your foundation.

Make certain your work will be guaranteed, and that the company has the means to back up that guarantee. It is your right - and your responsibility as a consumer - to be sure you are dealing with a reputable, solid and trustworthy company.

Tens of thousands of your neighbors across New York will waterproof their homes this year. In almost every case, the result will be a more comfortable, more attractive and more valuable home. Make sure your basement waterproofing system turns out equally well. Be sure to use this collection of tips to locate a company you can trust for help with your wet basement and/or indoor mold problem, and good luck!

About the Author: Michael Cotoia is the President of National Waterproofing Systems, a Long Island, NY Basement Waterproofing, Mold Removal and Mold Remediation company serving the Five Boroughs, Nassau & Suffolk Counties. For more information please visit: www.permanentwaterproofing.com