Are you ready to make your home more water-resistant? You've got a few options, from DIY kits and products to waterproofing pros. If you're looking for the superior protection only a professional can provide, you'll want to choose wisely. Waterproofing contractors are often specialized and trained experts, so choosing a pro is the right call.
But it's a big decision, so what should you look for when hiring a waterproofing contractor?
In this guide, we'll offer eight essential items on your checklist before bringing in a pro. We'll touch on pricing and warranties, too. Once you've checked all the boxes below, you can trust that your contractor will seal up any and all of your leaky spots!
Get Multiple Estimates
Before you start your search for a waterproofing company, you should get multiple estimates from potential contractors. This ensures that you are getting the best price and that your contractor is not taking advantage of the situation. Additionally, having multiple estimates allows you to compare services offered and reviews left by previous customers.
When looking for a waterproofing pro, there are certain checklist items that you should consider:
Get Multiple Estimates: Receive multiple quotes to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money
Check Licensing & Insurance: Make sure they are licensed and insured before hiring them
Ask For Referrals: Ask family and friends who they’ve used in the past and get referral discounts if applicable
Read Reviews: Take the time to read online reviews to make sure they’re reputable in the industry
Look At Their Website & Social Media: Check out their website and social media platforms to make sure their portfolios match up with what they say they do
Research Online: Do an online search of local businesses in this field and look for any customer complaints which can help inform any decisions made
Check the Contractor’s References
Before hiring any contractor, it's important to check their references—especially true for waterproofing. A contractor's past work can tell you a lot about their skills, ability to meet deadlines, affordability, and quality of work.
The best way to ensure your contractor is reliable is by asking for references from past clients. If a contractor is unwilling or hesitant to provide references, take that as a red flag and keep searching. It's also important to verify that the references provided are legitimate—ask specific questions to the client and make sure you feel satisfied with their responses.
Here are some questions you should ask the contractor’s customer references:
- How was your experience working with this particular waterproofing contractor?
- Did they complete the project in a timely manner?
- Was their price range reasonable?
- Are there any signs of water damage after the work was done?
- Would you recommend this waterproofing contractor for future projects?
Verify the Contractor's Licensing & Insurance Coverage
No matter which contractor you choose, be sure to verify their licensing and insurance coverage. This is an important step in order to ensure that the contractor is qualified and can provide the work that you need.
To check a contractor's credentials, you can contact your local Department of Building and Safety or the appropriate licensing board for your area. It's also best to ask for a copy of their insurance certificate so you can be sure that the contractor is adequately covered for any potential issues that may arise during the work.
Here are a few checklist items to look out for when verifying a waterproofing contractor:
- Ask to see proof that they are licensed, knowledgeable, and experienced in waterproofing projects.
- Check whether they have any additional certifications such as specialties in specific materials or techniques.
- Make sure they possess general liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation coverage.
- Ask if they offer any guarantees on services or materials used.
Look Into the Contractor’s Experience & Expertise
When it comes to finding a contractor you can trust, it's important to look into their experience and expertise. It's nice when a contractor has been doing waterproofing for a long time, as this means they know the ins and outs of the waterproofing process.
To get an idea of their experience, ask questions like:
- How long have you been in business?
- How many other projects have you completed that are similar to mine?
- What kind of warranty do you offer?
- Are there any references I can call?
- Do you have any certifications or special training related to waterproofing?
Checking a contractor's background and customer reviews is also helpful in making sure they're experienced and reliable. Ideally, you should look for someone who has been in business for at least five years and has a good track record of customer satisfaction.
Additionally, ask for proof of insurance before signing a contract—this will save you from any potential financial liability if any issues arise during or after the waterproofing project.
Research Their Past Project and Client Reviews
When choosing a waterproofing pro, you’ll want to know what kind of experience they have. You can do this by researching their past projects and client reviews.
Look for references to the contractor’s past jobs that reflect the type of waterproofing you need done. Ask for photos or videos of their work so you can get an idea of the quality and skill they provide.
You should also pay attention to online reviews from previous customers, if they exist. This can give you a good indication of how satisfied former customers were with the contractor’s services.
Most importantly, ask your potential waterproofing pro for references from recent jobs so that you can contact previous clients. Consider speaking with these people directly to gauge the contractor’s work ethic and customer service skills, which are just as important as technical ability when it comes to hiring someone for a job like this.
Evaluate Their Warranty Plans and Guarantees
Once you've narrowed down your list of waterproofing pros, the next step is to evaluate their warranty plans and guarantees. Many companies offer guarantees or warranties on the products and services they provide, so make sure to ask about these during your initial screening process. A good guarantee will cover both labor and materials, as well as any repairs that may be needed if something goes wrong.
It's also important to look into the company's process for resolving any issues that may arise during the project. Are they willing to come out and take a look if something fails? Do they have a set process for backing up their work? It's important to have these questions answered before you sign on the dotted line.
Finally, make sure you take a good look at the warranty or guarantee itself. How long does it last? What kind of coverage does it provide? Is there an extended warranty option? All of these factors can help you make an informed decision when choosing your waterproofing pro.
Understand Their Payment Terms & Procedures
Before signing any contracts with a waterproofing contractor, it's important that you know the payment terms and procedures. Do they require a down payment? What is their payment schedule? When do you need to make your final payment? How will you pay them (check/cash/credit card/online)? Will you be penalized for late payments?
Answers to these questions should always be outlined in the contract and discussed with the contractor. Pay close attention to the fine print and make sure that you are comfortable with the payment terms before signing on the dotted line. If anything looks suspicious or complicated, it's best to get clarification from your contractor before proceeding.
Discuss Your Expectations & Ask Questions
The last item on your checklist is to discuss your expectations and ask questions. This is a critical step in narrowing down your options. This is also when you start to form impressions of the contractors you're considering and decide which one is the right fit for the job.
Start by having a conversation about what you expect from the waterproofing service. Make sure to get into the details, such as the timeline for completion, how any issues will be handled, and whether or not there's a warranty on the work.
Then come up with a list of questions that you want to ask each contractor, like:
- How long have you been in business?
- What kind of training do your workers have?
- Do you use subcontractors?
- Have you done projects like mine before?
- Are there any hidden costs or additional fees that I should know about?
- What makes your company stand out from other waterproofing contractors?
By asking these questions, you'll be able to gauge how knowledgeable and trustworthy each contractor is, as well as compare their answers against each other so that you can make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Ensuring that your home is waterproofed correctly doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following the eight checklist items outlined in this article, you can make sure you have a highly trained and experienced waterproofing professional on your side.
When it comes to choosing a waterproofing contractor, keep in mind that experience and knowledge is key. Ask for references, read reviews, and follow the 8 checklist items to make sure your contractor is well-equipped to handle your project. A little research and extra effort goes a long way in finding the best waterproofing pro for the job.
Further Reading:
How to Effectively Deal With Contractors and Get the Job Done