Hire Waterproofing Contractors in 3 Easy Steps
How do you hire waterproofing contractors? This may be on your mind if you’re trying to address water leaks and damage in your home foundation or concrete after this record-breaking cold, wet winter. It’s important that customers arm themselves with information, to avoid shoddy repair work and basement waterproofing that’s both costly and frustrating to fix. This article will walk consumers through the resources available online when selecting waterproofing contractors that are worth working with.
1. Establish the Damage
Before you even begin researching waterproofing contractors or looking in the yellow pages, the first thing you need to do is assess and establish the damages in your home. If you’re clear about what’s lurking in your wet basement, you will be less surprised by your contractor’s assessment of the situation.
You should do a complete walk-through of the area to determine if there are any quick fixes that are causing leaks or water collection. You may have obvious, easily fixed cracks in a basement window or wall, for example, that can be fixed with a little sweat equity and a quick trip to Home Depot, or you may simply have clogged gutters that are forcing water down into the same spot on your grass or lawn, causing leaks into the basement. Rule out these basic problems before calling in waterproofing contractors, and you’ll save time and money.
2. Research Waterproofing Contractors Online
If you’ve determined the damage is beyond your capability to repair, now’s the time to begin shopping around for waterproofing contractors. Be sure to use consumer protection resources like your city’s Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List or sponsored links to do a local search for local service waterproofing contractors that are highly recommended in your community.
You can also investigate potential contractors through the National Association of Waterproofing Contractors. Call 1-800-245-NAWC to see if the waterproofing contractor you’re considering is in good standing.
3. Interview Potential Waterproofing Contractors
Once you’ve narrowed down your choice of waterproofing contractors to two or three candidates, it’s time to connect with them personally for a quick interview. A quality waterproofing contractor will typically not require a large down payment, and will be able to provide you with an itemized free estimate of project costs, as well as a detailed project plan with accurate start and completion dates. In addition, your waterproofing contractors should be able to provide you with proof of insurance. This is crucial; otherwise, you could be potentially held liable for any workman’s comp claims that occur when subcontractors are working in your home.
Use your intuition when dealing with these applicants for your business – you are hiring them, not the other way around, so don’t hire someone who sets off your inner alarms! If you don’t like what you’re hearing, you’re within your rights to keep shopping. At the end of the interview, let the waterproofing contractors know exactly when you will be making your decision. Be professional and respectful of their time, as you would expect them to be with you.
The Manual of Below-Grade Waterproofing Systems
These three easy tips – assessing your damage, researching online, and in-person interviewing – will help you feel comfortable with the waterproofing contractor you choose. Good waterproofing contractors will help protect your financial investment in your house, and help provide you with both security and peace of mind.
