How to Hire a Waterproofing Contractor

If your basement is leaking, you may need to hire a waterproofing contractor to help protect your foundation.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Contractor Referral Services

1. Check out simple causes of leakage such as clogged gutters or obvious cracks around basement windows or doors. These can be easily addressed without the expense of hiring a waterproofing contractor.

2. Ask friends and family for recommendations of contractors they have used.

3. Check with the National Association of Waterproofing Contractors at (800) 245-NAWC about any contractor you are considering hiring.

4. Interview several contractors and have each inspect your house and prepare a proposal for the waterproofing work.

5. Compare warranties offered by the various contractors.

6. Negotiate a written contract with your chosen contractor.

7. Pay any deposit called for by the contract and have the contractor begin work.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to negotiate a contract with a minimal upfront deposit and a schedule of payment that closely tracks the work in place. Always insist that the contract call for you to withhold a final payment until the job is satisfactorily completed.
• There are many potential ways water can seep into a basement; achieving a truly waterproof basement is sometimes a long and difficult process. Be sure you understand what your contractor is doing and what is being guaranteed before proceeding.

[jasminemars]

on 11/12/2008 Good information we really could have used last year! We ended up doing the job ourselves!! Great article!! *****