BBB Tip: Hiring a Basement Waterproofing Contractor

Do you find yourself getting nervous when it starts to rain, wondering if your basement will flood? If so, it may be time to call a basement waterproofing contractor for an inspection and some professional advice. This is major work, and the Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin recommends that you don’t make a quick decision. Take time to compare prices, check references, and do your research before hiring any company.

Where do you start? The BBB Serving Wisconsin suggests the following tips when considering a basement waterproofing contractor:

Get estimates. Solicit at least three bids from prospective contactors and discuss the bids in detail based upon the building specifications, materials, labor, and time needed to complete the project.

Get references. Ask all contractors for several local references and then take the next step by finding out if those customers were satisfied with the overall work. If possible, visit completed projects.

Are they bonded, licensed, insured, and registered with the state? This may be especially important for basement waterproofing because the work may require the contractor to obtain a building permit. Ask the contractor if the company is insured against claims covering property damage, worker’s compensation, and personal liability in case of an accident. Call to verify the contractor’s insurance coverage after obtaining the name of the carrier and agency. Check with the state’s Department of Financial Institutions to find out if the company is registered in Wisconsin as a corporation.

Read and understand the contract. Read and understand any contract in its entirety before signing. Never sign a blank contract, and never pay up front in full for work until it is completed and to your satisfaction. Always pay by check or credit card. Keep a copy of the signed contract for your records.

Inquire about a guarantee or warranty. How long does the company offer its warranty? What does it cover? Is it transferable from homeowner to homeowner if the home were to be sold?

Ask questions. BBB advises homeowners to find out if a contractor is a member of a professional association which has standards or a code of ethics. All BBB Accredited Businesses must uphold BBB standards for ethics in the marketplace. Homeowners can check business reports for free on our website and search Accredited Businesses through our Accredited Business Directory.

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