5 Questions to ask before hiring a basement waterproofing company

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When you have an issue with water intrusion in your basement one of the first things you need to do is contact basement waterproofing companies. Anyone who has a basement knows that you need to protect it from flooding and water damage. Protecting your basement from water damage can be done using a crack injection, for a basement crack, or by using a basement waterproofing system. Basement waterproofing is a very specific skill set, which cannot be completed by just anyone. Knowing the right questions to ask these basement waterproofing companies is of the utmost importance and will make your decision of who to hire a lot easier. You always want to make sure you are hiring someone who is a professional, waterproofing expert, and will get the job done correctly. Included in this article are some very important tips for making sure you hire the right basement waterproofing company. There are different types of basement waterproofing methods that protect your home from water intrusion by using systems like interior drainage, exterior waterproofing membranes, sump pumps, and French drains to stop moisture at the source and keep your basement dry. Understanding these options will help you evaluate which companies offer the right solutions and determine whether they are using industry-approved systems that will provide long-term protection for your property.       

Tip 1: Making sure the company is licensed and insured

Asking the company you are contacting for their license and proof of insurance should be one of the first things on your list. If a company cannot provide this information, it might be best to steer clear of them, as you don’t want to end up liable for any accidents. If the company doesn’t have a license and insurance they are ignoring the law by contracting repairs.

Tip 2: Asking for references and looking at reviews

Any company that has been in operation for a while will have clients, or customers, who will be able to give their opinions on the work the company has done for them in the past. You can also check Google, Yelp, Facebook, or many other sites to see their recent reviews.

Tip 3: Ask the company what their solution to your problem would be and how they would go about fixing it

It is important that the company you are contacting be able to communicate what it is they would be able to do for your specific problem. Most of the time a company will need to come out and physically look at your issue before giving an estimate, but you can easily get an idea of what they would be able to do for you by asking them.

Tip 4: Warranties and coverage

Most basement waterproofing companies will give warranties on their work. It is important to read all the fine print in the documents about warranties just in case you need to use it. You wouldn’t want to get something fixed, like having a foundation crack injection done, in your basement and then have to have another company come out and fix whatever was wrong with the injection. It’s also important to verify that the warranty can be transferred to future owners.

Tip 5: What needs to be done (by you) to prepare for the job you are wanting done

If you are having basement water seepage, a flooding basement, or basement water leaks, among other things, you might want to clarify what needs to be done for the contractors to do their work and not have to contact you throughout the day. There are several clear signs your basement needs waterproofing, such as persistent dampness, mold growth, musty odors, wall cracks, or standing water, all indicators that moisture is entering your foundation and professional waterproofing is needed. It might be a good idea to ask if you need to move around certain objects/furniture, clear out your crawlspace, or have someone around who will be able to let the contractors in and out of the basement. It also might be a good idea to be available to talk in case any issues come up.

If you’re having flooding or leaks in your basement or crawl space, contact Schmitt Waterproofing, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company, serving the Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Flowery Branch, Cumming, Gainesville, Alpharetta, Milton, Johns Creek, Duluth, Dawsonville, Canton, Ball Ground, Sandy Springs, and Dunwoody areas in Georgia. We have years of experience and are waterproofing experts.  Please contact us online or by phone by calling 404-268-1040. To see more information about us follow us on Facebook.

Picture of Josh Schmitt | Founder and Operator
Josh Schmitt | Founder and Operator

Josh Schmitt is the founder of Schmitt Waterproofing and an Emecole Certified Contractor and NDS Professional Drainage Contractor. Since 2017, he has helped North Georgia homeowners solve basement waterproofing, foundation drainage, crawl space moisture, and stormwater management issues. Josh personally evaluates projects and remains actively involved in installations throughout the Atlanta metro area.