U.S. Waterproofing

He didn't find any breaks in the foundation and stated the foundation was ok. He did not charge me for the service. He seemed a little under eager. He explained that if it happened again to get another sump pump.

I received an estimate back in March and Sean told me he needed to run a hose next to my house. It was too cold to turn on my water hose. We decided to wait until it got warmer where I could use my hose. He told me to run the water on the outside of the home and see if there is water in my basement. I wanted him to do that for me. I called the company and wanted another serviec provider to come out to my house. He was able to run the water, and he did confirm there was water coming down from the back of the chimney. I didn't sign a contract with them yet because I wanted to do a research. After a huge flood, I called the company to have the work performed and I signed a contract. I asked for them to come the very first thing in the morning and they confirmed they would, however they never did, they ended up coming in the late afternoon which I did not want. They never communicated with me when they were coming. They started to dig and excavate on the side of the house on this day. The next few days, there was rain in Chicago and now the hole has collapsed and taking over my neighbors driveway and I have not been able to get a hold of them to get someone back out to my home. They were not very polite on the phone either.

I was unhappy with the estimate and quote we received along with additional follow up. After 2 additional quotes from waterproofing companies (that agreed) and a general contractor coming to look at the problem I believe we were quoted the incorrect items by US Waterproofing. We were told our garage needed to be lifted / stabilized to correct a foundation crack in the house. While the garage is sinking (based on it being on a slab vs. house foundation) that has nothing to do with the crack in the wall of our home. This weekend, our contractor confirmed what I already knew - the crack happened within the first 5 years of the home being built. It was a one time crack that did not result in any major issues as the foundation did not move in placement (back or forth / up or down); only settled resulting in the crack. Our home is almost 60 years old. The other issue in which we were quoted a membrane around the chimney - turns out we need a new drain tile system installed in that area of the basement. I've had family members use them in the past that were very pleased with the results. A VP contacted me through email and offered to send a manager back out to take another look at the issues. While I appreciated the offer and follow up, we declined.

They returned my message right away, but they will not even come out for an estimate until the end of May.

Like many homes in our area the drought caused the (slab) foundation in our addition to sink unevenly. Piers had to be installed. This is expensive and not covered by insurance. We received three estimates. One was much higher than the other two. The US Waterproofing guy seemed to have a bit better handle on our situation than the salesman at the other company. He realized that there could be a problem with the downspout and made repairing that a part of the estimate. US Waterproofing did most everything they said they would do. They were very responsive about changing the date of the estimate so as not to endanger our mortgage refinance which was going on at the same time. They also stood behind their work, coming out promptly to fix a fence that had bent during the construction. They came out when they said they would and finished when they said they would as well. The room now seems level and the large crack we had in the drywall is now closed as they said would happen. Only negatives: They said that we would receive a call each week from the supervisor to keep us apprised of the project's progress. We never received one of these calls. Second, some of the cleanup was not done as neatly as it could have been. Our patio ricks were left piled in a haphazard manner and we are still finding small work materials left behind in our backyard. But overall they did a complex job well and with integrity.

Workers arrived on time, worked efficiently and neatly. Thoroughness and effectiveness of repair was proven by elimination of leaks during and after record-setting rainfall the week following the repair.

They wanted me to wait over a month just to come out to give me an estimate when I have immediate problems. NOT GOOD

The salesperson arrived and the first thing he said was "what water issue are you having in your basement?" I told him I was not having a water issue in my basement. As he was trying to edge himself into my front door, i explained that the project was outside the house. He asked if he could see the basement, and I said, No. I stepped outside and I explained the project and told him that i wanted the Drywells to go to the front yard, that there was no other choice. The west side had the air conditioner blocking the path to go to the back yard. He then insisted on inspecting the back yard. He then began lecturing me as to needing to talk to my neighbors about the dry wells, liability, etc. All very amusing since I am an attorney (he was not aware of this until I told him his appointment was over). He was not correct in many of his statements. He again, wanted to come inside my house (I knew I would never get him out), I offered him my newly refurbished steps to sit on. On his quote, I had asked that each dry well be quoted separately, but this was not done. Secondly, he added a bogus addendum into the contract that states "Customer agrees to safe and hold harmless U.S. Waterproofing regarding water or Ice on pavement." Keep in mind, he had to call the home office and get that statement, while he was walking down the sidewalk in my neighborhood. This statement essentially means that U.S. Waterproofing could install these dry wells improperly and create a water situation, and I would have no recourse. If Dry wells are installed properly, with proper aggregate,etc., there should be NO drainage issue. This statement that he hand wrote onto the contract showed me that this company was unwilling to stand behind their work. After he gave me the contract and asked me when he could follow up, I said "Never. Don't call me. I don't do business like this." I found it amusing that this company purportedly has better business bureau awards. My recommendation for anyone doing business with these people? RUN. My message to the company: be reputable and stand behind your product, don't assume all women are stupid - some of us know construction and the law. Addition: This representative was never treated disrespectfully, he was just not allowed in my house. The work was outside of the house. And this company clearly does not wish to stand behind their products. RUN,

I was very pleased with the entire process of dealing with USW. Their salesperson who came to inspect my problem and quote me a price on the solution was very knowledgeable and low pressure. I didn't feel I was being sold anything I didn't need. He quickly saw the problem I was having with some minor leakage but also discovered several other areas that needed attention as well. We contracted for three minor crack repairs and two downspout extensions. The day the crew came to do the crack repairs it was about ten degrees out but they were willing to jackhammer the frozen ground to install the downspout extensions. I told them to wait for a day in the spring when it was warmer and the ground was thawed so they could do the work more efficiently (the crew really appreciated this). The foundation crack repair was done quickly and professionally and I have had no problems since - although I don't think it has been seriously tested yet either. I elected to have an additional downspout extension installed for a total of three. We got them on the schedule about six weeks later and all three were put in quickly and the crew was very punctual. All in all a very good experience.

They showed up on time, they even sent a confirmation card in the mail. The guy that showed up worked in between the rain storm. I would highly recommend them, they do a great job of cleaning up after the work.

I was impressed with the salesperson's knowledge and responsiveness. The price, however, was double what I paid with another firm for the same warranty.

They were very helpful, kind and well informed. They came out in January 2012. We did not have to worry to much about it. They cleaned up well. They were the first people in our house getting things done. They were super helpful. I would definitely use them again.

My experience with US Waterproofing started very shaky and only got somewhat better. The original estimate was great. The advisor came to my house, was able to diagnose the problem by doing a hose test, gave me a complete estimate with the option for more work at my discretion. Was told that the technicians would clean out the previous repair and re-repair the cracks. The advisor even checked on two previous repairs in another part of the basement and found out that us waterproofing had done them. He stated that he knew it was there's since they do the wide strip of the top coating. The advisor was even trying to work on a one day turn around due to my wife giving birth about four days later. (Even though we couldn't get the timing to work out). So after scheduling the appointment for about a week after I felt pretty good knowing that the work they had done was still holding up and looked good. This changed when the day of the appointment came. I left my wife and newborn at the hospital to come home to wait for the technicians. I had signed the contract and felt obligated to hold up my end of the bargain. After waiting for the whole two hour window plus a half an hour, I called the company to find out that the crew was running very late and that my appointment would need to be rescheduled. Normally wouldn't care about rescheduling, but to have to call them to find it out was frustrating. The appointment was rescheduled and I asked to speak to a manager. Kenny called me and was very apologetic and assured me that the crew would be there at the rescheduled date (5 days later) and time with a half an hour window, and was also kind enough to take some money off the total for the trouble. Now to the day of the appointment. Crew (one guy) showed up on time and got right to work. He confirmed the two cracks and the drain stack that had been estimated. I asked about smells as my newborn would be in the house (she wasn't at the time due to the noise), and he informed me that he wouldn't be using any of the smelly stuff. He performed the work as quick as he could I'm sure. As I checked in on the progress it did seem like all was going well. When he stated he was finished I went and checked on the work. Now the two other cracks that were repaired many years ago by us waterproofing before I owned the house looked great. The wide coat of sealant on the top with only the injection ports visible looked awesome. I really expected the same look to the new crack repair especially after the technician knew the work because of the technique. When it didn't look the same, I asked why there was no "cover coat" over the hydraulic cement, and the technician stated that because it was a wet wall and that somebody had repaired it previously (badly might I add), the coating wouldn't stick to the concrete and that that was the stuff that smelled. Not knowing much about repairing a foundation crack, and banking on the fact that I hope the technician knows more than I do, I said ok and the wall was left. I don't know much about repairing a crack in a foundation, nor do I know much about coatings, but to get charged $1200 for hydraulic cement and epoxy seems a little high. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the repair will work (waiting for the first rain) but it just seems that at least for outward appearance, the standard has changed. I didn't get other estimates due to the time crunch and the fact that the previous repairs were done by the same company. But, if there is another leak in my basement, I'll probably be shopping around before I use US Waterproofing again. So overall: Estimate - A, First Appointment - F, Followup Call - B, Second Appointment - B, Appearance - C (Just because it doesn't look like the other repairs).

Need to follow up with the salesman who made the initial call. But the crew who came to do the work were wonderful!

It was wonderful. When the guy came to size up the job and give me the estimate, he was professional and took his time pin pointing the location of the trouble spot. His contract was written neat and totally ledgible, I was impressed. He explained exactly what would take place. It was late in the year and the job had to wait for warmer weather to dig. We set up a tentative date in early spring. They called me when we had such a gentle winter and were able to up the installation time. I was very happy with the results.

Shawn from US Waterproffing inspected our basement and exterior. He was cordial and friendly. He recommended that they wrap a membrane around a 20 foot section of the foundation where we were having the water seepage. We would have to hire someone else to demo the concrete around the area. US Waterproofing would then excavate the ground about five feet deep to the foundation footing. They would then backfill the area that was excavated. He was able to provide an estimate on the spot, and I thought their price was very good.

They did try to remedy the problem completely but never quite did.

Jim was my service adviser -- very professional and courteous, returned emails and phone calls promptly and came in, took his time mapping out may basement, spent over 1 hour walking around, then walking outside, making recommendations for grading that would improve my basement leak situation (a service a landscaper would have to do) but did not sell me on anything I didn't need. It was a no pressure sit down once he completed his assessment. He told me what he recommended (we're going to be finishing out basement in the near future) and what he though could be skipped, but done if I wanted to be extra cautious. Their prices are high, but they are competitive, and I the leak was resolved, and I appreciate the responsiveness of the company. I'm having them back in the spring to lay underground pipe for all my downspouts and sump outflow/outlet. For the record, I've seen nightmare posts for various companies pressuring customers into the indoor draintile system -- I didn't get any of that. Jim was optimistic and reassuring that my problem was not a major one, and easily fixed, and that my builder did not rip me off. That alone was worth US Waterproofing coming out. BTW, Fernando (sp?) came out to do the installation/repair, he was very clean, professional, and courteous and efficient.

We contacted US Waterproofing asking for an estimate on replacing our basement sump pump and install a battery back-up sump pump system. Jim was out in only a couple of days to provide an estimate. We were satisfied with the projected cost and scheduled to have the installation done the following saturday. We went with the Boss 3000 Deluxe product. The installation went very well. The replaced the pipe and check valves too ... the whole system sounds and works great!

See above. Work progressed very efficiently. Crews were always working as a team and went the extra mile a couple times to complete a task. I had interviews and proposals from several contractors including, architects, structural engineers, concrete companies, waterproofing companies, and excavators, etc. Each had their own solution. I am so glad that I had USW come and bid. Theirs was the ONLY proposal that diagnosed all of the the symptoms, uncovered the causes, and proposed a solution that is permanent and guaranteed. I was determined to fix this problem only once. USW had the comprehensive solution and the team to put it in place. Communication before and during the job was very good, as I was kept abreast of what was going on and the progress made at each step of the way. The only "Don't" I have, is if you suspect you may have a problem, Don't wait, have them inspect ASAP. It won't get better, only worse. I have already referred my neighbor to USW, with absolutely no reservations. To USW: Job Well Done! Thanks.

They came out and did a free estimate. He told us we didn’t even need their services. He told us how to fix it ourselves and it worked wonderfully. I thought it was going to be very complicated and expensive, but he was very honest. I was blown away and very impressed with them.

They came out when they were scheduled and performed the services specified. Hopefully, the procedure works on both cracks, and we won't have water issues in the future. Time will tell.

I had an absolutely wonderful experience working with US Waterproofing! I did a lot of research on foundation crack repair prior to hiring them and also had received an estimate from Perma-Seal so I was familiar with my options going into it. Unlike when Perma-Seal came out and tried to up-sell me on a lot of things I did not need or ask for, US Waterproofing gave me a quote on only what I wanted and needed to have done without any high pressure sales tactics. Several months after the initial estimate, since I hadn't made a decision yet, a rep kindly followed up with me and offered to have his supervisor, Barry, come out to take another look at the basement, which I appreciated. Since it was the winter and their slow season, they were able to offer me a substantial discount and even did a few extra things without charging me just to earn my business. Barry was outstanding to work with and assured me that none of the cracks indicated structural damage. He explained that the crew who would do the crack repair for us had over 20 years of experience each and had personally done tens of thousands of crack repairs. By taking the extra time to explain what they were going to do and by assuring me that an experienced crew would do the job, he gave me the confidence that I was making the right decision. The crew arrived on time and were friendly, worked diligently to repair the cracks, and even answered a few questions I had about the repair process. They cleaned up before they left and did great work. (The only issue was with the strong epoxy smell that lingered for about a week after the work was done, but that was unavoidable.) It's been a year since the cracks have been fixed and we have not had a drop of water in the basement. I would highly recommend US Waterproofing to anyone looking for an honest and reputable basement waterproofing company.

We were so pleased with the information and estimate given to us by Ken, we decided to go with U.S. Waterproofing right away. Their workers were polite and got the job done quickly and professionally. When they were done the foreman explained everything to us and gave us the manuals for the new sump pump. We are extremely pleased with the work done.

I was not home the day of the work. This was discussed at the time of the assessment. However, there was no followup. Neither did they send me anything about the Lifetime transferable warranty. Also, the price was like three times the normal price.