After the last rainstorm, did your cellar look like you ought to start building an ark and collecting animals? If so, it may be time for you to consult one or more water proofing contractors and get some estimates to help protect against the deluge.
It is very important that you contact several companies because techniques and workmanship tend to vary a great deal from contractor to contractor. You need to feel comfortable that the company you hire will do the job to your satisfaction in a timely manner and without any unnecessary problems or drama. To that end, below you will find several tips on how to hire water proofing contractors that should make the process go more smoothly.
Choose a Company with Experience
When selecting a contractor for waterproofing, make sure you choose a company that has enough experience to handle any unexpected issues that may arise. You don’t want workers standing around scratching their head and looking puzzled, on your time. Find out how long they have been in business and how many jobs they have done that were similar to yours.
Also ask how much experience the workers have. No matter how expert the boss may be, if you are dealing with inexperienced underlings, you might experience delays or problems. Make sure the people completing your job have the know-how to do it properly.
Another thing you might want to know is how confident they are that the solution they offer will work. For example, if they only recently implemented a new waterproofing process, it might be difficult to ascertain how effective or durable that solution actually is.
Hire Licensed and Bonded Contractors
One of the most important steps in hiring water proofing contractors is to determine whether they are licensed and bonded. Some jobs require permits and many permits require the contractor be licensed and bonded by the county, state or province.
In tandem with licensing and bonding is liability insurance. Even on jobs where permits are not a factor, choosing contractors covered by liability insurance and workers comp insurance is a good idea. This protects you in the event of an emergency or mishap that occurs during the job.
Ask for References
Whoever you hire, make sure the company can provide you with a list of names and numbers of past customers you can contact to determine how well they have performed in the past. Any water proofing contractors who have been in business for a few years should have a long list of satisfied customers.
Contact numerous clients and make sure ask the contractor for references from jobs they finished three or more years ago. That way, you can find out how well the repairs have lasted and how durable the contractor’s workmanship is.
In addition, contact professionals in the real estate industry to see if they have heard anything about the contractors which you are considering hiring. People like builders, home inspectors and estate agents often have an insider view that can be very helpful.
Find out the Extent of the Work
Before work starts, make sure you know how extensive the job is going to be. Will it entail digging trenches or tearing out walls? Will the contractors need to perform exterior excavation? Does a new drain system need to be installed? Find out how much mayhem you should expect during the waterproofing process. Many homeowners are dismayed when they discover just how much work is entailed in the job. Don’t get caught by surprise; instead ensure that you discuss the job in detail with your contractors.
The four tips above should help you hire water proofing contractors to complete your job with little or no fuss.
Aimee Coppock is a writer who believes that when hiring water proofing contractors, it is vital that you choose a company that has experience, can show you references of past work and that can explain to you clearly how they would complete your job.