American A-1 Waterproofing

Initial estimate was fine but didnt feel it fully delt with the complexity of my job. The iwner reassesed upon my request which significantly changed scope and content of job. The job was done, well, on time, clean, thorough and threw in couple of extras to help out. Would definately use them again as need arises. Final result will be clesr after the next big rain storm but feel very secure about there work! Thank you!

I would highly recommend American A-1 Waterproofing. They arrived promptly on each day of this two week job with a knowlegeable crew and efficient foreman. This was a large undertaking, as the existing concrete floor was ancient (the house was built in 1888), very uneven and pitted. My plan is to finish the basement, and the original floor would have been unsuitable asa a base layer on which to install padding and carpeting. So, this floor was totally removed, and an addtional several inches of dirt was excavated. This was replaced with a layer of gravel, french drains and a new, thicker concrete floor. Also, a significant portion of the exterior foundation was exposed, in those areas which displayed moisture on the walls. In these areas, vapor barriers were applied. Two sump pumps were installed as well as a battery backup system. Any water pumped out will now flow through a pipe to a covered pit located several feet from the house, where it will disburse naturally into the ground. The owner is very professional and his employees work hard to accomplish the task at hand.

The inspection went well and discovered quite a few issues. We are still trying to decide how to proceed with the issues found during the inspection. The rep who came to do the inspection was on time, thorough and honest.

Itr went as we were told and no surprises

Not performing any basement work at this time but will consider using A-1 if we do. Price seemed a bit high but will get additional estimates if we decide to proceed although reviews and reputation of A-1 will probably win over others.

Bob Desopo was the Certified Specialist from American A-1 Waterproofing, and he really did an excellent job. He was right on time and when he first arrived, he rode his car back in forth in front of my house slowly, which confused me. Then I realized: he had already started the inspection. He was looking at water sources outside my house and checking out the drainage system from my house to the street. Then he came in and really did a thorough inspection. I told him that I probably couldn't get the work done right away due to just having had to replace my well system. Instead of just giving me a ball-park estimate as others would do, he still did a meticulously detailed evaluation. He checked out the entire basement and then walked around the outside of the house. The price is high but it's a really big job, and the estimate is consistent with other companies. Some companies have come to my house to give estimates and written down what needs to be done, then they say they will send me a written estimate by email. They often don't send the final estimate to me for a few days or even a week. Bob gave me an estimate (written by hand, the old-fashioned way) at the time of the inspection, so I know exactly what I have to work with. He was knowledgeable, professional and represented the company well. I feel I really got my money's worth with this Angie's List Big Deal.

It was a good experience overall. Honest and punctual.

They were extremely professional and got the permits immediately to get the work started. They even gave a warranty for their work. We did not have to use their service because the water in the basement was due to a clogged sewer line and not because of rising of the water tablet. But highly recommended providers

Excellent quality work and professionalism. Bob was our sales rep and was very helpful through out the process. The work was done with excellent attention to detail. Very neat and clean work. American A-1 used high quality materials and a Zoler pump. Very professional regarding payment and cost. No gimmicks whatsoever. Gave me a 25 year warranty and they passed plumbing inspection with flying colors. Inspector said work was done well and to code. Not to mention, other companies wanted between $7,000-$10,000 for the same job. These guys performed well and saved me about $3,000. Don't waste time with other companies. American A-1 all the way!

Provider gave a detailed assessment of what was causing water seepage in garage. All staff members were professional and courteous. Backyard was regraded and has effectively stopped water seepage in garage. For an additional nominal fee they removed fencing for me.

Big job to be done , on time , did as promised , completed job in three days . Roland was great !

Called Roland Achtau, he returned call promptly, set up appt for next day, arrived on time. Roland as great. He evaluated the water situation, suggested several lower cost options that I could pursue without his help, and also provided a reasonable quote for more extensive work if that was needed. Totally honest & knowledgeable. Would use again!

Roland and his Project Manager Lou were responsive and easy to work with. They performed the work on a timely basis at the price quoted. They worked cleanly and were very respectful of the property by carefully covering furniture and surfaces. Their price was very fair and they returned promptly to fix a minor oversight. I would highly recommend American A-1 Waterproofing without hesitation.

He told what he would do to fix the problem over the phone without ever seeing my basement. He also told me about what it would cost. I decided not to use them at this time. I also realized later that I could have received a free estimate without ever paying the Big Deal of $49.00. Please refund my credit card. Thank you.

Working with Roland and his team at A-1 Water Proofing was a great experience. They were the on time, did exactly what they agreed to for a great price! The team found many pieces of slate in our crawl space. They asked us if we wanted to keep it or for them to take it away since it was worth money. We would have never known it was there, they could have just taken it! A-1 Water Proofing is the best! The service was done almost a year ago and we haven't had any problems at all. We would definitely recommend A-1 Water Proofing to anyone who needs waterproofing done at a reasonable price!

The Situation: We moved into a new home and discovered that the prior owner had created a makeshift water solution in the basement. We had been in the house for about 3 months and were getting increasingly anxious about this. The water was overflowing into the basement and eventually running into the sump pit (which incidentally was sitting directly below our breaker box). The sump was exiting across the basement via a pvc pipe hung from the ceiling at an inverted angle. So a lot of the drainage water would backflow back into the pit , or just sit in the middle of the sagging pipe. Since we live on a high water table, this was the first major project I wanted to tackle. I researched and interviewed a few companies and after meeting with Bob (the salesman/engineer) we felt comfortable with American A-1s solution and timetable for the job. During the initial inspection we also discovered a bulge in our basement floor caused by hydrostatic pressure. The Solution : French Drains running the perimeter of the basement and two new sump pits position away from the circuit breaker, but still at the lowest level. One of these pits houses 2 sump pumps. One positioned higher than the other in case the first one burns out. The second pit houses a water powered backup (http://www.basepump.com/Products/Basepump.html) positioned at a higher elevation than the standard pumps. This is in case of a power failure during a storm such as a hurricane. American A-1 recommended a different, less complicated water pump but after researching several online I decided on BasePump. I ended up having my own plumber install it , because of the comfort level I have with him. (RAM Plumbing) The exit strategy was well though out. The exit is directly above the pits through our foundation wall. From there the PVC water pipe runs underground to a seepage pit underground in our front yard which pitches away from the house. While I would have preferred the water to run into the town storm sewers, there is an ordinance in Ridgewood that prevents this. After the installation we were a bit concerned because the pumps were running every 5 minutes. However recently this has died down to about once ever 90 minutes. And I assume will decline further as the ground dries out from the winter melt. If not we may need to raise the level of our pumps a couple inches. Lou the foreman of the job was amazing. He was EXTREMELY respectful of our property and concerns. This is not a trivial undertaking. You are essentially jack hammering cement from your basement and having it removed. When you are buying these drains for the price of a down payment on a nice car, its great not to have to worry. The only minor issue we ran into was with the electrical inspection. The American A-1 recommended electrician used switches that were not matched to my current breaker box. The inspector failed us for that. The electrician was back within a couple days to change them out and we passed with flying colors. Anyway ... our basement has been dry since and with the exception of the pump frequency we have had ZERO problems. Here are a couple pictures of the work ... the staining you see on the floor is just the new cements still not fully cured yet.

They did stuff that no one else was able to do. They did the coolest thing, they put in a latteral drain. Now my basement smells clean and no dampness.

He was very courteous and honest. Gave us a few recommendations but said we had no problems that needed addressing.

The A1 representative arrived on time, was very courteous and professional. After assessing the basement wall, he advised me that I did not have a serious problem and there was nothing he needed to do.

The crew was very competent, polite and showed a genuine interest in doing what we hoped would be done. No project runs absolutely smooth, but if there was a question, Roland showed right up to straighten it out. Could not ask for more. Our biggest problem was the inspector who approved our project the middle of August did not file his paperwork promptly and we made a few phone calls to town hall to clear it up. I think Roland made a few phone calls too. The project went well. My basement where he opened the floor, installed a drain, and closed the floor looks great and there has been no water. The stones are all back close to where they were. The paperwork - not so much. We are happy this is finally over.

They’re excellent. They’re very cooperative, neat, and explained the job very well. They gave direction and advice. I think that their price is right in line with the others. I would recommend them.

It was perfect. They were just wonderful. I would highly recommend them. They were on-time, did the job right and were very accommodating.

Roland is wonderful! He is professional and true to his word. When I first called, he came and looked at the problem, but told me he was not licensed to do the work in NYS. Because I really wanted him after previous experience with the company, he proceeded to file for his NYS license. Though it took a few months for his paperwork to go through, we waited to have the job done. His office called to schedule the work and then Roland called that morning to confirm they were on their way. The work was done very neatly, especially considering the fact that they were breaking tile, concrete and drywall. His men were also extremely professional and polite. I would not hesitate to use this company again or recommend them to others.

Perfect. There are times you spend money on a contractor and question your choice. Not with Roland and crew. Everything was clear from first day when he inspected property and recommended what should be done to stop the leak that has been plaguing us since moving into our 1870's home 4 years ago. Some people came in and recommended spending 3-4 times more. Roland's plan was simple and honest. Excavate the outside of our stone foundation taking care to support all walls, build a new wall if needed, backfill and regrade around 2 sides of house. The work took 4 days, with a crew of 3-4 each day. No fooling around, these guys worked their butts off. Everything went according to plan. The crew even took extra time to spread extra dirt in spots in yard that had some dips and to use some left over stones from the excavation to form a little stone circle around some fruit trees. I love these guys! Everything was professional, thoughtful, done on time and I cannot say enough good things about them. If only all contractors were this great! I would use them again and I highly recommend using their services. Cannot be beat! *UPDATE* 3 inches of rain and we are bone dry in the basement, The final proof of a great company. It works!!!!

Roland was extremely professional, punctual, pleasant and honest. He seemed extremely knowledgeable, and was honest about the status of my basement, which he didn't think needed work. Scheduling with him was easy and he was punctual and responsible. I would definitely call him first thing for any future issues!!!!