 | Helpful Hints | |
- Before selecting a contractor, try to determine how and where the water is entering the home:
- Is the water coming in through a window?
- Is the water coming in through a crack in the wall?
- is the water coming in where the floor and wall meet?
- Determining the type of foundation wall construction will aid in developing a solution:
- Is your foundation a poured concrete wall, or a block wall?
- Are your inside walls bare, or are they covered with paneling or wallboard?
- Determine if you have an inside system currently installed:
- Do you have a sump pump, and if so does it work?
- Can you see pipes entering the sump pit, and are they plastic, terra cotta or some other material?
- Do the pipes appear to have dirt or mud in them?
- Having a system and still getting water in the basement can be a result of a clogged or damaged pipe.
- See if you have a basement entry way with a drain:
- Is the drain clear.
- Does this drain tie into your inside system.
- See if there is mold on the walls or floor:
- Is there a dark growth around the area(s) where water is entering the home?
- This darkness is typically a result of constant water which results in mold.
- This mold can be dangerous for your well being.
- See if there is a white substance appearing on your walls:
- This is a sign of water built up in your block and should be handled by a professional.
- Efflorescence is the chemical reaction of the water in the block and the materials used to construct the block.
- There multiple ways to solve a water problem:
- Some problems can be remedied by some very economical efforts on the part of the home owner.
- Extending the downspouts away from the home
- Clearing the gutters to keep the water flowing.
- Cleaning the basement entry way drain
- Licensing and Insurance required:
- Basement waterproofing is covered by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.
- You should ask to see the salesperson’s license, as well as the contractor’s license.
- You should ask to see a copy of the contractor’s insurance certificate.
- Getting more than one price is a matter of personal choice.
- It is always a good idea to solicit bids from at least three contractor’s.
- The tough part will be to compare the proposals. Not all proposals will cover the same things.
- Part of your decision should be the appearance and knowledge of the salesperson, and how comfortable are you with them in person.
- Remember, the lowest price is rarely the cheapest price. You must be sure that everything is included, or at least that you are aware of items that you are responsible for, and how much they will cost you.
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