As a homeowner, you have several things that you have to look out for on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
Some are more pressing while others only need to be tended to every couple of years.
However, they all need to be prioritized so that you’re protected in case of an emergency. Such is the way with waterproofing your basement. It needs to be taken care of quickly so that you’re protected from floods.
Here are several questions that you should ask a waterproofing company as you search for the right service. Make sure to ask them all and find the right fit for your needs.
1. How Long Has Your Business Been Running?
If you find yourself a trusted basement waterproofing business that’s been around for several years, it speaks to their efficiency.
More importantly, it means that they have the experience and know-how to complete your project. They’ve seen almost everything that could possibly go wrong, so your basement’s condition won’t overwhelm them.
The longer the business has been running, the more success stories that they have under their belt as well.
They not only know how to properly solve your problem, they know a thing or two about customer service as well. If they didn’t, their company wouldn’t still be around!
2. How Much Experience Does Your Team Have?
This might seem like a question that’s similar to the first one, but there’s a huge difference. A business can be running for decades, but that doesn’t mean its current staff has been there that entire time.
What you don’t want is to pay for their company’s experience, only to find out that the team members they sent to your site only have a few months under their belt.
Be sure to ask both of these questions and make sure the workers coming to your home have the experience you’re seeking.
3. Have You Ever Had a Failed Experience?
The truth is, the people you’re paying to do your basement waterproofing are as human as anyone else. That means that occasionally they’ll make a few mistakes.
However, the important thing is that they’ve learned from those mistakes and identified what went wrong.
If you’re working with a transparent waterproofing company, they’ll be upfront about a mistake they’ve made previously. They can explain it in great detail, which shows you that they care.
4. Are You Licensed?
There are different laws for each state and what certain contractors and companies are required to have.
However, the need for a trade license is universal. If the company you’re inquiring with doesn’t have it then run for the hills.
The last thing that you want is for someone who hasn’t gone through proper qualifications to lay a hand on the features of your basement. If you do, you’re leaving its integrity in the balance.
5. Are You Insured?
Just as it is with licensing, trade companies and contractors are required to have certain types of insurance.
That means things such as liability insurance and workers’ compensation are non-negotiable. However, that doesn’t mean certain companies don’t have it. You don’t want to do business with a waterproofing company that isn’t insured.
What if one of their workers gets injured on the job? What if their employee makes a huge mistake that compromises your basement walls?
6. Do You Have References for Me to Call?
Many people make the mistake of taking the company’s word for their previous services. What kind of company doesn’t think they’re doing a good job on their projects? Their word isn’t absolute.
Any company with integrity will be more than happy to refer you to at least three references that you can call.
Maybe these references will start singing their praises, maybe they’ll just tell you about the great customer service. Either way, their approval is a good sign of high quality.
7. What Are Your Recommendations for My Problem?
You can get a feel for the basement waterproofing process just by asking them this simple question.
Different contractors have different answers, so don’t be afraid to ask around and see the different solutions that they propose.
In the end, you just want to make sure you don’t have to waterproof your basement again. So take the time now to quiz them on why they propose that solution, what it looks like, how long it will take, etc.
8. What’s Included In Your Warranty?
Simply put, if they don’t offer a warranty for their service, you need to cross them off your list right away.
Make sure you know exactly what all is covered under the basement waterproofing company’s warranty. Is it the materials they used for the job? the service? the labor? All three?
Also, ask them about the duration of the warranty. How long do they provide it and what’s the best way to contact them in case something goes wrong?
As previously mentioned, people make mistakes, that’s just part of life. However, the company you hire should want to do everything in their power to rectify that mistake by providing a competitive warranty.
Find a Waterproofing Company That You Can Trust!
Now that you have a better idea of the questions you should be asking your basement waterproofing company, it’s time to find the right fit for your needs.
Be sure to read this article on the top myths about your leaking basement for more information on the truth and facts behind them.
For more inquiries, please feel free to reach out via our online contact form and we’ll be happy to assist you further!
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