Value Dry Waterproofing

I have a small amount of mold in an area of my finished basement. The person that came to provide the free quote looked at the mold (about 1-1.25 feet visible on a baseboard), and added up a quote for installing a sump pump. He did not look at the foundation at all. He did not look at the exterior of the house, peel back the carpet, or cut into the dry wall to see the extent of the mold, or if there was evidence of where the water was coming from. When it came to the price and his proposed fix, he was very reluctant to accept that I wasn't going to make a $5000 dollar decision on the spot, despite my telling him outright that I am not the kind of person that rushes into big purchases. This was not an exigent fix, the basement was not currently damp. He spent more time trying to convince me I should decide on his solution than he did evaluating my problem. I cannot comment on the quality of their product or work, but I would recommend getting at least one other quote, and being prepared to stand your ground if you decide not to use them.

This is a rental property for us and we don't live close by. Everything was done over the phone with the sales rep (Tim Zecha). He was very professional and attentive to our every need. I had been speaking with other mold removal companies for cleaning the floor joist and the work couldn't be guaranteed unless we took care of the moisture issue. I spent countless hours with other companies that didn't follow up with me. Value dry came to our property quickly, assessed what had to be done, made up their proposal, and handled everything over the phone. I was very happy they could take care of everything and we didn't have to hire a separate mold remediation company which were very pricey. Our tenants were pleased with the efficient, clean, and quality of work done. My husband was in town early Dec. to check on our house and was very pleased. Even though quite expensive it was well worth it for a cleaner home and hopefully increase the value of our home. Valuedry also offered special financing that is making it much easier to pay for.

It went fine. They did it in a timely matter all in one day.

I had a great experience with Value Dry. From George the salesman to Jamal the installer to Jim the owner they were upfront, courteous, and professional. They were a little more expensive than others we talked to but based on what I got for the price I am more than satisfied. They did everything we discussed and even added a couple of little extra things to make things better than we expected. I would definitely use them again if needed and would recommend them.

They really corrected the problems we were having. It was a stressful time because of the rough winter we had and there was water that came into the basement. We got 10% off for being Angie's List members. I can't remember the exact price but I believe it was somewhere between $4,000-8,000. It was reasonable compared to other estimates. They have come back since when we have had questions. They were prompt, careful with our house, and we were very satisfied with the work.

We spent tens of thousands of dollars inside and out. Everyone warned me that that is an industry of shay’s truce, corpse and people who don’t know what they are doing. Across the board, all my friends said that God help me. Everyone I asked had a bad experience with somebody. It was very hard. A neighbour suggested Value Dry and we went with them. It was not a good experience. It was not a bad experience but it wasn’t a good one. It was noisy, stinky and horrible. It cost $5000 and if it were done around the whole house, it would have been $20,000. The former owners cleverly did it. They were not entirely respectful of the house and the repairs that followed them where much more costly than it needed to be. I would not hire them again. Some did their job better than others. The person who answered the phone was good. The guy who dug the ditch was not so great.

He arrived on time, and carefully examined the crack in our wall. He fuly discussed all of our options with my husband, and actually recommended a course of action that is not something that his company provides due the the minor nature of the crack in our foundation and the seepage occurring. He gave us recommendations about what to do for the problem, what to look out for if it should get worse, and let us know what his company could do for us if our measures did not work. We absolutely appreciated his honesty, will refer others to this company, and would not hesitate to have him back if the problem increases as the house settles.

Value Dry Waterproofing was awesome although we didn't end up using the company. They provided their opinion of the problem causing water to get into my basement. Although they offered to do the work, they indicated due to the simple nature of my problem that it would be better/cheaper to get a handy man to resolve my issue. I felt that the company was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and honest. Hopefully, I won't have to use them in the future, but if I ever have a water issue, they will certainly be among the first I call. Thank you!

They always do a fantastic job, and they're considerably more cost-efficient than other contractors in the area.

The company responded promptly to our request for an estimate. The representative arrived on time and was courteous and professional. He took the time to explain his assessment of the problem and the most appropriate solutions. Never did he belittle us for our lack of knowledge about certain aspects of the issue or the systems to address it, nor did it appear that he was trying to sell additional products we clearly didn't need. He explained the history of the company and its reputation, as well as his own experience. He also worked with us to negotiate a reasonable price, which was reflected in similar estimates received by other companies. In the end, we did not use Value Dry because we finally we able to reach the company which had already installed a waterproofing system in the basement and were able to enlist them to address the issues. If we didn't have that system in place, we certainly would have considered working with Value Dry.

The inspector was on time, thorough, honest and reliable. He surveyed the property, determined there was no problem and said goodnight. We have an old house. So when it inevitably needs work, I absolutely will call ValueDry. Putting the customer's interest first is a great business policy.

It went well. The service was completed quickly and effectively.

Two days ago the system started beeping after about a year. I called Value Dry and the same technician that installed the sump pump came out and we found that it had been running on battery backup for the entire time because the pump itself had never been plugged in. After plugging it in he tried to tell me that I may be billed for a service call. This was their mistake not mine.

Early July 2014 A representative arrive to my home on time and walked me through what would be needed for my home. I agreed to the terms which seemed the right fit for my home. Work was to be scheduled by August 2014. Subsequently, I was contacted during mid-late July regarding a 2 day time slot for work to take place. However, I was contacted again the week the work was to take place and asked if it was okay for the work to take place in one day 8/15/14 instead of the previous 8/14-8/15/14 date given. I agreed to the one day installation with the the stimulation that I receive the same quality of work with a one day process as I would with a two day process. I was told that instead of a three man crew for a 2 day job there would be 5 men to handle the one day job.Thus, I agreed. On the day of 8/15/14 only 3 men were on the crew. Work seemed to be going well. However, around 3PM I informed the men that I was initially informed that the job would be finished between the hours of 8-4. Consequently, I have an appointment that needed to be kept and I needed to to leave a 5PM sharp. Consequently, it seemed with my news flash that the men started working faster and things were not completed as they should have been done. For one, the speed drain installed was not the size I expected. Thus, I asked that a larger one be installed. The workers agreed and work went on. At about 4:45pm the workers were finished (so I thought) and received a partial quick walk through of the system and the workers left and so did I. The next day I was eager to see my new system up close and personal. However, I was disappointed on the completeness of the job. The larger speed drain that I expected to be installed was not one piece, but in two visible pieces and the existing discharged was not connected to the existing buried down spot (this explains why these issues were not a part of the walk through). On Monday morning I contacted the Value Dry and was given what I felt was a song and dance, to include being told that my concerns was due to me only wanting the speed drain in one piece because of how it looked. I was told that the speed drain would still work in 2 pieces....really... I reminded the representative that this system cost me $5,000 and my concerns had nothing to do with looks, but was a matter of Value Dry honoring their contract. I didn't expected perfection, but I wanted the job done right. I was told that someone could come out the next day to fix the problem, but I was not able to take off from work. Thus, I was told that the next date that someone could come and remedy the situation was on 9/18/14. On 9/18/14 two gentlemen came to my home and were very professional and kind. They walked me through the entire waterproofing system and made sure I understood the workings specific items as it related to the sump pump and backup battery. The previous 2 piece speed drain was now installed with a larger one piece unit of the same, without complaint. I am glad that Value Dry customer service came through when it really mattered and the subsequent workers did not make excuses as to why the speed drain was in 2 pieces and existing discharge was not connected to the buried down spout. Life Happens and its in the follow-through that will make all the difference. I would say if contractors would get it right the first time there would not be a need for a follow-up, to include the time and money wasted regarding a re-do. That said, although Value Dry's initial response to my concerns seemed a little unstable their follow-through was great. I would recommend their waterproofing system. It looks to be reliable and dependable.

The estimator provided an honest assessment of my situation. He was very knowledgeable and in this case explained that I likely did not need their services. He carefully inspected both inside and out and explained water sources and likely issues to me. He also explained things I should look for which might require their services. If you want a company with a lot of experience who will give a truthful assessment then ValueDry is the one to pick.

I received inspections and estimates from ELEVEN different basement waterproofing companies in the Northern Virginia area over the course of a full month; basement waterproofing is an expensive, intrusive process with a long-term impact and I wanted to make sure I had the best work done. I am more than happy I went with Value Dry: I am an advocate for the company for anyone that needs waterproofing done - and I say that as someone for whom when the work didn't go absolutely flawlessly, Value Dry really showed me their business ethic. This is a great company. I strongly recommend them for several reasons: (warning! In-depth review to follow. Read only if you're serious about having the best work done) * The reception/scheduling process: Bottom line - it was easy. One phone call to schedule, one phone call to confirm. The receptionist was polite. I was treated like a valued customer and I wasn't even a customer yet. Very nice. * The inspection and estimate process: Bottom line - the inspector from Value Dry did, hands-down, the best job. I know all of these inspectors are salesmen, but Matt O'Neill (my inspector) set himself apart. Other company's inspectors did some of things he did, but no other company's inspector did everything he did. First, Matt actually listened to me when I gave him the back-story behind the issues we've had. This may seem small but was huge. No other inspector actually stopped to listen. They may have mock listened while measuring for their "full install" or let it go in one ear and out the other while pitching their product, but they didn't actually stop and actively listen, provide feedback, and demonstrate a little empathy. This may seem small but was huge. Second, Matt was the only one of eleven who actually inspected both the interior and exterior of my property, starting with the exterior. I was surprised because at that point my experience had been to tell the inspectors I knew I had problems with drainage, etc, and have them either ignore me or pay lip service by walking outside and saying "Yup looks bad. Okay now let's go back inside so I can measure your basement." Matt walked the perimeter of the house, looked at the soil surrounding the foundation, examined downspout drainage, examined runoff from my driveway, examined the basement window sills - heck, he even stopped and chatted with me about a problem I was having with my deck. We discussed what kind of landscaping should be done and what the chances that would be of fixing the problem. Next, he actually examined the areas I had concerns with - where water was intruding in my basement. He didn't simply ignore me or glance at them or and say "yup. You need a full system" then proceed to measure for a full drain installation (both happened with several other companies). He took the time to really walk through the possible scenarios of how water would intrude through the different areas it was, and told me about how partial systems were sometimes the solution to problems in basements (mine was not a partial system problem and I knew that, but I was surprised to hear a salesman talk about reducing his scope of work, not increasing it). Finally, he walked the entire perimeter and pointed out things I had never thought of or heard from any of the other inspectors. Why the block looked like it did in one place, and not another. Why my foundation wasn't in imminent danger of collapse (I'd heard that before). All sorts of stuff. I was impressed. Based on what he and I knew, a full-perimeter drain was the way to go. Third, Matt made a detailed sketch of my basement, and measured everything precisely. Other companies made errors or had shoddy sketches/measurements. With Matt there were no errors, and he took his time. There was no rush. He told me he was a perfectionist and his work was certainly detailed. Using the sketch, he explained how I could choose to move the existing sump pumps into new locations to add usable square footage in living areas based on the minimal rate of decline the drain system needed to function properly. No one else had done that. Fourth, Matt explained the products he recommended, why he recommended them, and he didn't do it in a pressuring way. He simply stated what Value Dry offered, why he felt it would work, and how much it would cost. If I had any questions about a product, he knew the products well and could give a detailed response. He spoke about the company's policy in standing behind their work and products, and how the owner took a personal interest in the work his crews performed (this would come into play later, keep reading). He gave me a quote and wished me luck. I was impressed. Fifth, Matt actually came to my house on the Fourth of July to provide additional information for the install on short notice. The Fourth of July, in Northern Virginia traffic. No complaints, no hum-hawing. He knew I needed the information on short notice and just made it happen. How many companies can you say would do that for you? Sixth, and lastly concerning the inspection/estimate process, Matt was able to recall an insane amount of detail about my house several weeks after he had last visited during a phone call to schedule additional work for the installation. This is no joke: I called the man while he was on the road to another inspection, he pulled over to talk safely on his phone, and then - from memory - was able to describe my basement in-depth (we are talking measurements for walls, how appliances were oriented, even what color the tile in the bathroom was) in order to give me the best estimates on cost. Needless to say, I was impressed. Based off of the confidence Matt gave me, I chose Value Dry. They may have cost more than other companies, but as I said: basement waterproofing is an expensive, intrusive process with a long-term impact and I wanted to make sure I had the best work done. That means taking both cost and quality into consideration. And I am glad I did. * The installation process: Bottom-line - had another company had handled the installation process, I am sure I would not be raving about Value Dry as I am today. This is where things didn't go flawlessly and Value Dry really showed their business ethic. During the install, I was recovering from surgery (as in: I had surgery on Monday, Value Dry started work [at my request, since I would be on sick leave from work] on Wednesday) and was in bad shape. One day one, the installation team made a couple errors. I was upset about the errors, all of which seemed compounded by the fact that I was in the recovery process. I voiced my frustration and disappointment to Matt, who assured me that this was not the way Value Dry does a job and that it would be rectified immediately. It was. The installation team returned the same day to fix what they could. Matt called me back to inform me that a new installation team with a new foreman was scheduled to take over work the next day. The owner of the company came to my house to discuss with me any errors that had taken place the day before and how to best rectify them. I didn't request that! What other company does that?! Value Dry could have told me there was nothing they could do; these things happen; they're unfortunately part of the process; that the work would need to be completed as-is; and honestly there would be very little I could do about it. But Value Dry did not do that. Value Dry went above and beyond to make sure I was not only satisfied with the work, but that I was extremely satisfied with the work. What other company does that?! Days two and three of the installation went flawlessly. The new crew's foreman regularly checked in with me - and, being aware of my recovery, was considerate about doing so. Upon completion of all the work, I was extremely satisfied. Value Dry says they don't do work where the customer isn't 100% satisfied. That held true. * The carpentry following installation: Bottom-line - I don't think I could have found a better carpenter for a better price on my own after getting another eleven quotes (as it was, I only got two other quotes for carpentry). The carpentry was very well done, with zero stress, and at a price I could not beat. Before the drains, etc, were installed, I did the demolition of the existing perimeter drywall and framing with the help of a few friends. It went alright, but I knew re-framing for drywall was going to be difficult because of the way the studs were cut to allow drain installation (there wouldn't be enough "bite" for new studs to be sistered alongside them, because of existing electrical wiring being fished too low through the existing studs). I wasn't certain how the carpenter would approach re-framing it, and expected some troubles in this regard (the other carpenters I received quotes from raised an issue about it). I didn't hear a single thing from Value Dry's carpenter about how to fix the problem. He came to the house, introduced himself, walked me through what the end state was to make sure we were on the same page, and went to work. That was that. No stress, no interruption, at all. Over the course of two days, he did amazing work both re-framing the drywall and installing the insulation. He even used pressure-treated wood for the bottom of the frame (other carpenters told me this would cost extra). I could not have been happier. I chose Value Dry as I wanted quality work and no stress. Everything that comes before you've got this kind of major project occurring is stressful. Once you've chosen the company you're going to run with, that should be the end of it. That's what I wanted, and I got what I wanted.

They did a very difficult job as well as it could be done. I hope I never need this type of service done in the future but if I ever did I would use this company again.

The crew performed the work over three days. This included installing sump pumps, French drains, vapor barrier, and spray foam. They also installed a vent and routed a down spout into the yard. The crawl space under my house is no longer flooding and doesn't smell musty anymore. Whenever it rains I can hear the sump pumps doing their job making me feel better that the water is being managed properly. I would highly recommend value dry to anyone needing any kind of flooding issues.

The Value Dry folks were great to work with. After we got the estimate and signed the papers to have the work done, we were surprised by a call that they had a cancellation and could do our work that week. We got everything moved away from the wall (they even offered to help) and the work started. What should have been a 3-5 day job took only 2 short days because they put extra people on it. They worked very hard to keep everything clean despite the breaking of concrete and removal of sheet rock. We couldn't be happier with the work they did.

They are very professional and fast. They had about three employees come out to do the installation and some extras for clean up. They were efficient and showed up when they said they would. They even cleaned up when they were done.

Jim brought in a third party door installer and they are going to have a custom door brought in to replace the current door. The door expert noted that the current door from Lowes was warped from the shipping and was causing small gaps in the seal causing the leaks. They are also going to reinstall the window with additional flashing as well as look into other potential causes for the window leaks and address them (such as putting in a vapor barrier if needed). While the work is still ongoing we do appreciate Jim's commitment to excellence and getting the job done right. I understand that he is losing money to get it fixed but he continues to not give up until it is done right.

The team was very professional. They explained each step of the process. They indicated what the possible problem could be and how they can solve it. I like how they provided me with a less expensive solution first that did not involve their services. Unfortunately, it did not work long term so I engaged their services.

Good. Professional. When system failed in storm owner came out. He did not wish to install overflow pipe which system required. I had my yardman do it for additional cost.

Very professional evaluation. Assessed the condition. Explained all the options. Recommended a less expensive first option to replace gutters. His company didn't do that, but he recommended some good firms. Very honest, professional encounter.

I had water flowing under the carpet into my office. The release valves on my water heater were leaking. He was honest and ethical and somebody that knows about home stuff. Anyone else would have told me that I needed to unnecessary work.