There are specific reasons why basement waterproofing contractors offer different basement systems to solve basement water leaks and problems associated with foundations.

The number one reason is most basement waterproofing contractors only actually install one type of system.  Many of these contractors incorporate into their “sales pitch” a review of all types of basement waterproofing solutions in a way that leads their customers to the one they want to sell, the only one they actually install.

Those that area interior basement waterproofing contractors will exaggerate or emphasise the extent of disturbance to the exterior surrounding your foundation and the “nightmare” will scare you away from  exterior basement waterproofing.

Those that only install exterior basement waterproofing will present a very logical argument that all water comes from outside and thus that is the only “right” way to fix your basement water leaks.

Then you have basement waterproofing contractors who sell patented basement systems and do so because they are looking for that edge in the sales process to rule out all competition.  Their “patented system” is very impressive, again logical in how it solves the foundation problem because they have highly trained sales people that sell their one solution over and over in the same way day after day and get very good at it.

Do yourself a favor if you have interviewed any of the above type of basement waterproofing companies and seek out another opinion from a full service basement waterproofing company that can prove they actually install all types of basement waterproofing solutions with references, pictures etc…

And take a look at Better Business Bureau complaint reports (not just the “Grade”) as well as consider a referral source like Angie’s List.

For more info visit: basement systems and foundation waterproofing 

With so many  basement waterproofing companies out there and many giving different opinions on what basement systems will solve your problem, it can be very tough to decide which basement solution and which basement waterproofing contractor to choose.

First take a look at where the leak in basement is coming from to determine if you need to consider waterproofing basement walls or waterproofing basement floor.  If the water is coming out of the seam where the wall meets the floor and your basement walls are dry, an interior basement waterproofing system may be the way to go.  Water under your basement floor will not usually be solved by exterior basement waterproofing systems.

If your basement water leaks are through the walls, especially mid to upper basement walls, you may be a good candidate for exterior basement waterproofing.  But first take a look at your roof drains and other surface issues to be sure everything is working properly there.  Roof water dumping right at the foundation will wreak havoc on your foundation resulting in serious basement water leaks under heavy or moderate rains.

To best understand which of the available basement systems is best for your specific issues, consult a  basement waterproofing contractor that offers and installs all basement solutions.  Most basement waterproofing contractors actually only install one basement solution even though they may review all basement systems in an effort to steer you to the one they want to sell you.  Ask for references from customers who have had different solutions installed.

For more info visit: basement systems 

Not every basement waterproofing company goes about solving basement water leaks the same way, as you may have learned if you have been shopping basement waterproofing companies lately.  Most basement waterproofing companies sell specific basement systems like a one size fits all and some basement waterproofing contractors are full service.  That would be the first thing to look for when considering contracting your basement repair project.

Companies that sell one specific system, franchised contractors for sure operate this way, will have impressive presentations that will bring up other methods and present an argument for their solution.  A full service  basement waterproofing company will leave you in control of the solution that makes the best sense for your problems with plenty of good direction and advice.  To test a company ask for references on each method, exterior basement waterproofing and interior basement waterproofing as well as combination solutions.

Look for the obvious (yet not as common as you think) such as licensing, bond, worker’s compensation insurance etc…  Many salesmen will say they have those things, make them prove it and also call your local building department to verify.

Check out the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List reports.  Dig in beyond the surface rating and look at the complaint histories such as what types of complaints have been filed and are they resolved. 

Avoid “today only” or any other sales gimmicks.  A popular one among basement waterproofing companies is the “stand by” or “flex schedule” tactic.  They tell you they can offer a substantial savings if you are willing to be on call.  It is simply a tactic using logic to get another shot at a signed contract on the first visit.

For more info visit: basement waterproofing company 

Whether you have  basement water leaks and have begun the process of comparing basement waterproofing companies or are just starting your research there are some things you should know about what gos into basement waterproofing cost and I’ll break them down into two areas: company and basement waterproofing methods (see Part 2).

The basement waterproofing contractors may all look pretty similar in your area on the surface especially in today’s world of the Internet.  I can start up a business today and make it look like a 25 year old established and successful company very easily.  Here are some things to compare when considering basement waterproofing companies that directly affect the basement waterproofing cost :

• time in business.  New companies are looking for market share and often low ball pricing in order to get started.  Statistic show however that over 80% of new small businesses fail within the first 2 years.  That many again in the next five.  Look at the Better Business Bureau’s record for when the business was incorporated for a general idea.  Beware of companies that advertise “years experience”.  This is a red flag for new in business otherwise they will state the year founded or “in business since”.
• labor force. Many if not most construction companies use subcontractors and most of those subs do not carry insurance because it is simply very expensive.  Using subcontractors can mean inexperienced labor which leads to a lower quality project.  No insurance means you are personally liable if anyone gets hurt in your home.  Check Workers Compensation certificates!  Cutting corners cuts cost which lowers the price but it is a gamble that many wish they had not taken.
• track record. Look at complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau.  Do not simply look at the “grade”.  The BBB grading system allows for “A” even with a pattern of complaints if the complaints are responded to, even if the customer was not satisfied with the response.  Get referrals.  Ask for older installs as well as some more recent, make them dig for references rather than allow them to hand you the same three raving fans they give out all the time.  
• Check Angie’s List. This is a great way to prescreen contractors of any type.  You will read actual customer feedback in their own words and see a grading scale that looks at several areas of product and service deliverables, including info on basement waterproofing cost.

For more info visit basement waterproofing cost

Last blog I discussed what too look for in basement waterproofing companies that affect the basement waterproofing cost and in this blog I will touch on basement waterproofing methods that affect the project cost.

First thing I want to cover is “patented basement systems”.  These basement systems are designed to make it difficult if not impossible for you to compare basement waterproofing solutions.  It is a sales tactic.  It is a sales tactic.  Yes I know I repeated myself, just want to be sure you caught that.  Any  basement waterproofing contractor can have drainage pipe made a certain color or shape and or offer certain combinations of solutions and apply for a patent and call it “exclusive super duper world’s best waterproofing”…you get the point.

Next thing I want to cover is exterior basement waterproofing methods.  The basement waterproofing cost for this type of solution is always going to be the highest, and don’t forget to include replacing the sidewalk, deck, patio, landscaping etc… into your budget.  You should see a range of $100 to $150 per linear foot for exterior basement waterproofing solutions.  Typically these contractors are more serious, less “dime a dozen” for those who actual do this type of work because there is much greater risk and overhead expense to be able to perform.

For interior basement waterproofing solutions are unfortunately a dime a dozen and harder to compare. (Look at the Part 1 blog where I covered some things to look for in basement waterproofing companies that directly affect the cost.)  Bob the Builder working out of his home and hiring subcontractors off the street will always be the low price winner. These are the companies you may have never heard of but ran across an ad in the yellow pages / local small paper or found their name online when doing a search. Obviously the companies with the most advertising, biggest facility, most employees will have the most overhead and the highest prices.  Chances are these are the companies you have heard of due to their extensive advertising campaigns.

Compare the actual work getting done very closely.  Sounds simple but there are may ways to cut corners in anything you do including basement waterproofing.  Look at pictures of finished projects and check for a smooth concrete replacement.  Be sure to compare actual footer drainage to “baseboard” type drains (even the ones that are in the concrete like water guard systems).  Footer drains take a lot more work and should always cost more that the “on top the footer solutions”, except for of course, the patented ones you can not compare apples to apples to which will be pricey.  You should see numbers between $35 and $45 for basics plus pump systems and any wall work from there.

For more info visit: basement waterproofing cost

When considering a basement repair project involving problems with basement water leaks or bowed basement walls it is critical to take a close look at the basement waterproofing contractors and or foundation repair contractors in your area.

Are they licensed to do business in your city / town?  You would be shocked to know how many  basement waterproofing companies and foundation repair companies are not licensed, even 50 year old companies.  Avoiding the licenses saves money for the contractor and also keeps them under the radar of the officials.

What is the BBB track record.  The Better Business Bureau has recently gone to an A, B, C, D, F rating scale which actually makes it a little tougher to identify bad contractors.  Contractors who have multiple employees can have multiple complaints with the Bureau and still get an A+ rating.  Dig into the complaint history and take a look at what the complaints were about.

Consider joining Angie’s List.  This is an excellent referral source for finding all types of  contractors including basement waterproofing contractors / foundation repair contractors.  This will give you actual customer testimonials with a grade card rating several areas such as promptness, sales process, price etc…

When researching your basement repair project, always go for the obvious, ask friends, family, co workers, people at church etc… for a recommendation first.

And beware of any  basement repair contractor who offers a “today only” price.  That is simply a sales pressure tactic that no matter how logical they make it appear, it is a gimmick to get a contract.

Pioneer Basement Solutions serves Northeast Ohio including Akron, Canton, Medina, Kent and surrounding areas.  To learn more visit:  basement repair 

Your home is a big investment.  And that investment rides on the foundation that was built under your home.  So if you are having problems with your home foundation, such as a leak in basement, bowed basement walls or wet basement mold, you are putting your investment as well as your family at risk.

Homes in Ohio traditionally have basements and because Akron and Canton Ohio have many older homes, you have a lot of leaky basements and aging foundations.

The good news is that you have a lot of basement waterproofing options and there are good basement waterproofing companies in Akron and Canton.  Pioneer Basement Solutions is one of those companies that is helping home owners improve their homes and basements.

Whether you need a basement contractor to look at your leaky basement or your bowed basement walls, you can call Pioneer to get a free quote and find out more about what may be a serious foundational issue with your home.

Once people take care of basement issues, they can use the basement for storage or get a basement remodeling Ohio company.

Ohio homes are often older and have basements.  When you have an older home in Ohio, in areas like Akron, Canton, Kent, Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Barberton and Wadsworth, you want to have a local Ohio basement waterproofing company like Pioneer take a look at your home and assess the state of your basement.

Homeowners Foundation Repair is often easier than you think.  Sometimes the basement foundation can simply be reinforced and this protects the value of your Ohio home and the safety of your family.  While many basement waterproofing companies may not have the experience or expertise to give you advice on your basement foundation, Pioneer Basement Solutions has been providing these added services for years to help homeowners get all the services they need in one place from a company that they can trust.

So if you need a full service basement solutions company in Ohio, specifically in the Akron or Canton area, give Pioneer Basement Solutions a call.

If you have an Akron home with basement water leaks, you should have a basement waterproofing company take a look at it for you.  All good Akron basement waterproofing companies are going to do a free basement inspection and give you an estimate.  Then you are going to have a better idea of what you are dealing with.

Typically the basement waterproofing contractor will give you some good feedback on how serious the situation is and what the cause is.

There are usually different kinds of solutions for different basement water leaks that occur.  A good contractor is going to explain your options, give you a fair price quote and let you ask questions so that you feel 100% comfortable with the decision you make.

Once you waterproof your Akron basement you will be able to refinish the basement as well if you want and make it a great extension of the living space of your home.  Or you can just use your newly waterproofed basement for safe storage and have the piece of mind that you will not develop any wet basement mold or other problems that can plague a wet basement.

We’d love to be your basement waterproofing company of choice.  If you have an Akron or Canton Ohio home that has a wet basement, give us a call and lets schedule an appointment.

How do you identify the best Ohio Waterproofing companies?

If your basement is leaking or if you have homeowners foundation repair needs then you want to find the best Ohio waterproofing company to work with.

However, the answer is not the same for everyone.

The best might be the one with the best reputation for one person and it may be the cheapest basement waterproofing company for someone else that is tight on money but needs their basement waterproofed.

Ultimately, you want to look at a combination of things before picking the best Ohio waterproofing company for your basement.

Ask yourself some of these questions:

1. How long have they been in business?
2. Do I know anyone they have done work for?
3. Are their prices competitive with other basement waterproofing companies?
4. Do they work in my area?  Akron?  Canton?
5. Are they experts?  Do they have other services such as foundation reinforcement or humidity control?
6. Did you search online to see if there were any waterproofing complaints about them?  One may be OK, but do you see a trend or a lot of bad information about them?

These are the kinds of things you want to look at if you want to hire the best Ohio waterproofing company for your home.