Advanced Restoration & Waterproofing

We got estimates from this company and one other. ARW was very patient and answered every email that I sent with questions completely and promptly. I felt that I could depend upon them. They came as scheduled and finished as scheduled. We were happy with the job.

I had asked a structural engineer for an inspection of our foundation, cellar, crawlspaces, and drainage. After receiving his report and recommendations, I asked a number of contractors for estimates. Out of at least 7 or 8 contractors, only 2 ever responded with bids. We chose ARW because of the very reasonable estimate, Mike Bird's responsiveness, and the positive reviews on Angie's List. Mike understood that it was an expensive project and happily itemized the bid by project step so that we could choose to have the work done gradually over time if need be. It took us some time to make that decision, but once we made it, things moved rather quickly. Mike sent us the contract for the work and scheduled the work to begin about 3-4 weeks after that. I had a lot of questions about the contract, and Mike answered them quickly and comprehensively, providing me with a detailed timeline of the work, a list of all materials to be used, a certificate of insurance, and a lien waiver. Work began in mid-December with a large crew onsite to excavate our crawlspace and dig out the drain trenches. ARW's crew was very nice and seemed to work incredibly hard (and all of them are ARW's crew-- no subcontractors). Once the crawlspace had been excavated, more joist damage was discovered, along with a fireplace foundation that interrupted the engineer's plans. Mike was concerned and called me to discuss a plan for moving forward. He recommended we bring our engineer out to look at the crawlspace and make new recommendations. The cost increased from the original bid, but seemed to me more than reasonable for the extent of the additional work, and no additional work began until we had signed off on it. There were a few days off for the holidays and weather, but otherwise, work continued without delay. Mike stayed in communication with us about the finishing date. The structural repairs were inspected by our engineer and found to be correct (and-- hooray!-- our floors are now structurally sound!) and Mike came to our house to collect the final payment and address any questions we might have. The structural repairs are covered by a 25-year limited warranty that is transferable to the next owners of the house. Our experience has been very positive. Mike has been responsive and kind. His crew was always very nice and cleaned up after themselves. We hated to have to do such extensive and costly repairs, but we feel so much better knowing that the work was done correctly and that we were treated well.

I was expecting a person to show up and assess my property for water damage and then discuss with me options for correcting the problem and possible causes. The rep who showed up looked in the basement and proceeded to try and sell me his company's containment system. It was to be $10k and no other options. When I asked about other possibilities he said that was all they did and it was the best. When he left I was supposed to get a written estimate and explanation of potential work and I never received a thing. I have never heard from this company again. I don't feel as though I received a service of any kind. What I got was a sales pitch I had to pay for. This is something I would expect to get for free from any company wanting to bid on a job.

All contacts with the company were professional. The person who performed the evaluation was knowledgeable and gave us good input.

The scheduling of the appointment and inspection by the owner Mike Byrd was very professional. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. He made several recommendations as to what he thought we should do at this time but he didn't recommend repairs at this time. He said he would send me an email with a written report if I sent him my email address which I did right after he left. I never received a reply. That was my only disappointment in dealing with him.

Luke performed a 15-point inspection of our home for foundation and drainage issues. He had a couple of recommendations, but overall didn't find anything specifically concerning. He has had a tremendous variety of experiences in his life and was able to explain to me what he looks for and how houses typically age.

They arrived and reviewed the basement inside and out, including drainage. We got a detailed report, noting the issues that needed to be addressed (e.g., basement drainage tiles) and giving us an estimate for what it would cost to repair. While we really wanted the inspection (and that's what got) we were not ready to spend that kind of money without more estimates, and so we have not acted further on the report.

I walked them around to show them where my issues were, and we discussed options to resolve the water issued in my basement. The quoted price was reasonable, but unaffordable with the funds that I had at the time. When I can afford the work, I will ask them to update their quote.

I feel like the Big Deal was simply used as a way to drum up buisiness. While I don't know that they said anything innaccurate, it felt to me like they were simply using the inspection as a way to get me to spend lots of money on things, including tyring to pitch an entire rennovation of the basement.

Company completed thorough analysis of project. Decided to go a different direction @ lower cost.

Services were performed on time and as promised. Very pleased with results.

Went quite well. They did all they could to keep the price down for me.

Serviceman was punctual and courteous. He did a thorough indoor and outdoor inspection. He explained what he felt were the issues and suggested steps we should take to correct them. Some of the steps didn't even involve his company's services, but said we should rule those out first. I thought this was very responsible and ethical.

Assessed the house in regard in many areas.

They showed up on time. I showed them a couple things inside house that I wanted to make sure wasn't a foundation proble. After they looked at the foundation and crawl space they said there was no problem. They listed a couple of things I could do, but I decided not to.

Good folks - very professional and extremely detailed and timely. Worked quickly and well.

Mr. Bird was very helpful to point out areas of concern and areas that were in good condition. There was no high pressure sales, but a genuine desire to educate and protect the condition of our home. Very glad we did this and for Mr. Bird's professional insight.

I purchased an inspection of my basement and foundation due to fairly recent moisture in one corner of the basement. I was interested in knowing if the foundation was damaged or not since my home is 90 years old. I was particularly pleased that this company honored my purchase because I had missed the expiration date due to being out of the area for a death in my family. I contacted them when I returned to my home and they graciously made the appointment for the inspection. Mike (the owner) was on time for the appointment. He was also polite and professional. He answered all my questions and gave me insight about what to look for based on the age of my home. He determined that the foundation was not damaged, but that I could use some preventative maintenance to help the problem of dampness. I appreciated his friendly demeanor and his candor, I would recommend his services to anyone. Sincerely, Mary McDonald

A simple process and they explained everyting quite well. There was a follow-up inspection at no charge to 'double' check my issue which was appreciated.

After the inspector came, I asked if they could help me understand why there was more damage in one area since it wasn't near any plumbing. The owner came out with the inspector and said that the flower beds around our deck were like an earth dam, and we should provide some way for the water to escape after rains. It made sense. We had the vapo barrier installed.. Last winter, we ran a de-humidifer all the time, even with the furnace running. This year the humidity in the house is around 30%. I'm glad we had the work done.

The technician was very thorough. He did fine work. He was going to give us an estimate on some suggested service, but never got a response. Other than that though, the inspection was great.

Never really got the information or estimate i was looking for!

They came out to give us an estimate to waterproof our basement and replace our gutters. He was on time and was very flexible with the day we could have him come out - it was on a Sunday! We felt he was VERY thorough and knowledgeable. Though we only wanted an estimate - when we are ready - we feel we would have no hesitation in using them to perform the services as well.

They did a fine job. They were able to diagnose and discover some major problems. They were able to do the repairs needed and I was very pleased with the work, which does include a lifetime warranty.

I waited for over an hour after my appointment was scheduled and no one came. When I called the company it turned out the person who scheduled the appointment had put in the wrong address and my inspector was on another job. The owner/manager apologized for the inconvenience and said he would refund my Angles list Big Deal payment on Monday. After a week of seeing no refund I emailed asking about the refund but have had no reply and no refund. Other than that the inspection was fine the man who came out was professional and examined my basement and crawl space as well as the gutter system. He gave me a couple of useful suggestions and an estimate for $7,000 worth of work. I expect to get an up-sell on these deals but felt that the service I received was not really worth the $49.00 I paid (half off) much less the full price. I would like my promised refund!