How to hire a reliable waterproofing contractor.

Finding the right waterproofing contractor.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A yellow page directory or internet access & plenty of patience.

1. Check to make sure your contractor is listed with the BBB and find out if there are any unresolved complaints.

2. Check Angie's List and read all reports concerning the prospective contractor.

3. Make the contractor provide proof of insurance including workmen's comp.

4. Get no less than three (3) written estimates. Beware of any contractor asking for large down payments. Many contractors require nothing down.

5. Check to see if there have been any complaints filed against the contractor with the Bad Business Bureau. They issue the Ripoff Report on the internet.

6. Require referrals from at least three previous customers and make sure that the contractor can verify the length of time in the trade.

Tips & Warnings

• Read every word of the written warranty!!! Ask about any of the terms or conditions that are not clear to you. Read the contract word for word. Do not do business with a contractor that does not have an actual physical address. That means no P.O. Boxes.
• Get each and every detail concerning your project up front.

[jnrdava]

on 12/20/2008 I have found your article to have some valuable information in it but I do find one major concern. In the tips and warnings you say not to do business with a company that has a PO Box instead of a physical address. Our company, which is a legitimate, trustworthy, reliable company, has a PO Box and we do not use a physical address on our paperwork because we work from our homes. We do not have an office, only a storage facility for materials and our home offices. So, I'd like to let your readers know that, although this is sound information in many cases, don't always let that be a determining factor of whether you choose a particular company or not. Thanks. Jon Bridgan, NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems