Follow these tips to ensure that you pick the right contractor to waterproof your basement
No homeowner wants to come home to a damp basement. Dampness in your basement can cause mold and mildew, damage to your home or simply make your basement an unhealthy environment.
But don’t worry—waterproofing will handle that. Read through this guide to learn tips on how to find the right contractor to perform this essential project.
To find the best basement waterproofing company near you, start by searching online for services with positive reviews and customer testimonials. Since many waterproofing contractors offer a lifetime warranty, check out the number of years they’ve been in business. Or, you can also ask family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, or other trusted individuals to provide a recommendation on who to hire.
If you have a neighbor that recently completed the same project, ask them about their experience and consider using the same company. Once you narrow down your list, ask the potential contractors to conduct a consultation and provide a price quote.
"Waterproofing is crucial for basements to prevent water intrusion, mold growth, and structural damage. Interior waterproofing methods like sealants and vapor barriers help control moisture levels but don't address the root cause. Exterior waterproofing, such as waterproof coatings and French drainage systems, are often more effective in preventing water from entering the basement."
— Tim O'Shea, The Build Pros
Do your due diligence before you say “yes” to a contractor.
Before you hire a contractor, you should understand the scope and price range of the project itself to ensure that the quote you receive is a good one and that the contractor has all the information they need to provide an accurate quote.
Measure the linear footage of your basement and estimate how many feet will need to be waterproofed. Obtain at least three quotes from different pros to see how their prices match up.
Check state and local laws to see what kind of licenses, insurance, permits, and bonding a contractor needs for this type of work. Then, ask the contractor to provide evidence that they have those qualifications, especially workman's compensation insurance, in case a worker is injured while tackling your project.
Once you’ve agreed to hire the contractor and they’ve provided a contract (this is an absolute must; don’t hire a professional without one), you should read through the contract to ensure it captures everything you discussed.
A good contract should lay out the following details:
Project scope
Project timeline
Payment structure and timeline
Permits, insurance, and bonding
Change order terms
Estimated costs for materials and labor
A clause that allows you to get out of the contract in the event of poor-quality work or long delays
As the project progresses, keep records. Record the number of hours each worker completes. Keep a journal of the progress made and ask the contractor for a daily update. For example, monitor major milestones like cleaning and prep of the basement, as well as when the basement has been fully sealed and is awaiting finishes.
Protect yourself from common scams when hiring a pro. While most contractors are honest and hardworking professionals, be wary of basement waterproofing contractors who are dishonest about licensing, underbid the project, and ask for a large deposit up front.
On average, basement waterproofing costs $5,195, but costs can range anywhere from $2,456 for small jobs up to $8,171 for large jobs. Always be sure to get multiple estimates for basement waterproofing before hiring a contractor.
Before you settle on a basement waterproofing contractor, you should ask them a few questions to ensure they have the right qualifications for the job.
Do you specialize in basement waterproofing? While a general contractor may be capable of doing basement waterproofing work, if it's not their specialty, you might be better off finding a contractor who is an expert in foundation work. Many waterproofing contractors are certified through the Basement Health Association (BHA).
What similar projects have you done? This is a good way to determine if they've worked on projects that were recent and comparable to what you need done.
How long have you been doing basement waterproofing projects? Obviously, you should prefer a contractor with years of experience compared to someone who started in the last few months.
Can you describe your approach to this project? An experienced contractor will be able to describe their approach to a basement waterproofing job, such as how they prep the area, what they use to plug holes and cracks, how they seal doors and windows, and what kind of waterproof coating they use. Know what to expect with basement waterproofing so you can be prepared to ask the right follow-up questions.
Do you work with subcontractors? You may have a choice in contractor, but you don't get to choose the subcontractors if you don't ask. The contractor should know their subcontractors well to lower the risk of mistakes or damage.
Can you provide some references of other homeowners you've worked with? If a contractor is good at their job, they should be able to provide previous customers you can contact about the results of their basement waterproofing job.
How long will the project take, and how soon can you start? If the contractor can't start work for a couple months, and if it's going to take extra long to complete, you need to know this up front.
What are your working hours? A contractor may not be able to work at times convenient to you, so work this out ahead of time.
Can you provide me with a written estimate and a contract? This last question might be the most important of all. Avoid doing business with contractors who don't want to put work agreements in writing.
Once the project is over, conduct a thorough review of the waterproofing job. Check to ensure all cracks and gaps have been sealed, and ask the contractor to point out specifically what they did and where. If you have any issues, address them right away so they can be fixed promptly. Once you’re satisfied, make prompt final payment and leave a good review if you’re satisfied with the work.
