What to ask a waterproofing company before you hire

1. Who will do the work?

Ask whether the company's own crew does the job or whether it is passed to a subcontractor. The people who inspect your house should be accountable for the work that goes in. At Watertight our own trained crew does every job.

2. What did you find, and can I see it?

Most of this work happens where you do not go: under the floor and behind the walls. Ask for photos of what the technician found, and ask him to explain the cause in plain words. We photograph the conditions at the inspection and every stage of the work.

3. Is the scope and price in writing?

A written estimate should list exactly what is included: drainage, sump, liner, dehumidifier, mold treatment, insulation, repairs. If a word like encapsulation or reconditioning is at the top, read the list underneath. Our estimates are free, and every job is priced in writing after the inspection.

4. Does this fix the cause?

Water is the cause; stains, mold and damp air are symptoms. Ask whether the plan deals with where the water gets in. A liner over standing water is a pond with a lid, and paint on a wet wall peels. Drainage comes first.

5. What does the warranty cover, and does it transfer?

Ask for the written warranty before you sign, and read it. Ask what it covers and whether it stays with the house when you sell. Ours is a lifetime transferable warranty on our work, written out to the address, not the person. Pumps and dehumidifiers carry their own manufacturer warranties. The warranty page explains it.

6. Are you insured and certified?

Ask for proof of insurance. For mold, ask whether the company is IICRC certified. Watertight is insured, IICRC certified for mold and water damage, and Google Verified through Google Local Services, which includes a background check. Ask at the estimate and we will show you the paperwork.

7. How long will it take, and what happens to my house?

Ask for the schedule and what gets opened up. A typical interior basement system takes two to three days; crawl space encapsulation usually takes one to three. Ask how dust is controlled and whether the site is cleaned before the crew leaves.

8. Can I read your reviews?

Read the company's Google reviews, the newest ones especially. Ours are on the reviews page.