How to choose a Waterproofing company in Iowa
When your basement gets wet, damp or develops cracks, most people turn to basement waterproofing experts. These professionals make recommendations and apply the best fix for you and your home. Choosing the right basement waterproofing contractor could mean the difference between successful basement repairs and losing money on a project gone wrong. Do your homework before selecting a contractor. We’ll show you a few things to look for when choosing a waterproofing contractor so you can hire the right company for the job.
Do your homework:
How long have they been in business?
A waterproofing contractor who has been in business for a long time is likely to be an experienced and trusted professional. When it comes to repairing basements or waterproofing them, experience has no substitute. Hire competent professionals and they’ll do a fantastic job quickly and professionally. Choose an inexperienced team, and you’ll end up with a less than perfect repair or waterproofing job. You want to be sure the basement waterproofing company has the required skills, tools, knowledge, and understanding of basement waterproofing techniques and systems. Please be cautious of anyone who is content to “eyeball” your foundation and recommend repairs without a detailed examination.
Check reviews and References
Make sure to check out any reviews on Google, BBB, Angi, Website, and Facebook. In most cases, people are happy to relay their experiences with a particular contractor, whether it is good or bad. Ask for references and then ask about the service, the professionalism, the quality of the work and the support after the repair or install.
Are they State Registered and Insured as a Waterproofing Contractor?
You’re going to do a great injustice to your home if you choose to work with a contractor who’s neither state registered nor insured. If they don’t have any insurance coverage and do not adhere to the basement waterproofing state requirements, then you should remove them from your list of trusted waterproofing contractors. A contractor with a license and insurance is legally certified to do their work and will ensure quality. When they’re insured, it means you’re covered against any liability in case something unexpected happens. Never forget to check these two before hiring.
They Shouldn’t Make Promises They Can’t Keep
Beware of a basement waterproofing contractor who guarantees that “you’ll never have a wet basement again.” No one can control the rain. In 2018 Des Moines got hit with historic flooding, more than a foot of rain fell on some parts of the city. Also let’s not forget the Derecho storm in 2020. Storms can bring along electricity outages for an extended period of time, your sump pumps and battery backup sump pumps won’t be able to keep up with the water and your home may flood. Be sure to talk with insurance agents about options for drain overflow and flood insurance.
Guarantee on Materials and Labor
Most reputable companies will offer warranties on products and installation. This is important. You want a basement waterproofing contractor who will stand behind their work. If your waterproofing system needs any kind of attention down the road, the contractor will be there. Most contractors who offer this will say so on their websites but it is always a good thing to double-check. 25-year warranties show some signs of being a good company, but you should look for a company with lifetime warranties. Also warranties that are transferable to the next owner if you sell the home. That warranty value speaks for itself and will usually help confirm a reputable company.
Communication
Effective communication is vital to the successful completion of any waterproofing project. A lot of home repair projects stall or fail because the company doesn’t set expectations or fails to communicate clearly. You want to be sure the waterproofing company answers calls, texts and responds to inquiry emails fast. This way, you’ll get answers you need and make timely decisions at every step of the project. You’ll also avoid misunderstandings and have clear answers for all your questions. Any waterproofing company who doesn’t communicate clearly or downplays issues is one to avoid.
Not getting it in writing
Before you hire a waterproofing expert, you need to know exactly which services you’ll be getting, the price you’ll be getting them at, and when they’ll be completed. Never just enter into an oral agreement with a contractor, as they can always say later “I never agreed to do this. Get everything in writing, the services, the price, and the deadlines. Typically, a pre-inspection is done before the job takes place, then the company signs the contract and gets you a copy. Make sure the contract is signed by both parties and keep your copy of the contract somewhere that you won’t lose it. If the company tries to go back on their word, show them the contract to make sure they stick to what was agreed upon.
Certificates, Awards and Credentials
Most of the leading waterproofing companies have many certifications and awards that showcase their ability and talents in providing quality services and workmanship for their clients.
Hire a Basement Waterproofing Contractor You Can Trust
At BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines, we offer extremely competitive rates and reliable customer service.
In addition, we are:
Locally owned and founded right here in our home state of Iowa
Voted Des Moines Cityview best of 2021
Accredited A+ Better Business Bureau
Registered contractor in the State of Iowa and insured
Offer high-quality workmanship (highly trained employees)
We only use the new methods and materials on our jobs
Offer financing
Offer limited lifetime transferable warranties
Routinely get top ratings from our customers
Have our own trucks, our own employees, and maintain inventories to service our customer base.
We would welcome the opportunity to help you with all your waterproofing needs. We offer waterproofing solutions to homeowners throughout Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Grimes, Ames, Adel, Indianola, Altoona, and Bondurant. See our Service Area page for specifics. Schedule a free basement inspection by filling out the form here or call us at 515-963-0226.
My favorite part of your blog is when you said that you could check websites like Facebook, Google, and BBB to find out the experiences of other people in using a company. I will ask my parents to consider this because they are planning to have the exterior of their house waterproofed due to water leaks. It is important for them to hire an exterior waterproofing contractor before this month ends that has a good record of quality services for their peace of mind.