How to Identify Inexperienced Waterproofing Companies in NJ

How to Identify Inexperienced Waterproofing Companies in NJ

When you're looking for a waterproofing company that's going to help you keep your basement free of moisture, experience is a major factor to consider. If the company is experienced, it means they've seen jobs like yours and probably much worse in the past. They have the skills and tools to get the job done. Here are some ways you can identify inexperienced waterproofing companies so you can weed them out.

Count the Years

If a company has been solving basement water problems like yours for years, you know you're in good hands.

Other Kinds of Experience

If a company has handled building construction, masonry or other house repairs, they may be able to take more of a 'big picture' view of your basement and its problems.

No Guesswork

If the company gives you a quote before they even come out to the house, this is a pretty good sign that they don't know what they're doing. Some companies that lack experience do this. An experienced waterproofing company will check out everything thoroughly before they diagnose the problem and give you an estimate.

No One Solution

Inexperienced companies will often recommend one simple solution and say that it's all your basement needs. Of course, this may indeed be all that your basement needs. However, experienced companies are more likely to recommend more comprehensive solutions that may include several methods, such as French drains , sealing up cracks, thorough mold inspection and dehumidifiers.

Waterproofing Kits

Some inexperienced companies actually use waterproofing kits to tackle your basement's moisture needs. These are the kind of kits you can buy yourself and use in your basement. Anyone can use one. An experienced company has its own tools and methods.

State Licensing

Make sure that the company you hire is state-licensed. An inexperienced or sketchy company may tell you that it's certified with some organization or agency you've never heard of. They might have gotten this certification through a one-week online program.

How to Make Sure

Here are a couple of extra measures you can take to make sure you're hiring the right waterproofing company:

Check the company's rep online. You can find reviews of their service and also information about how long they've been in business.

Ask if they've handled this kind of job before. Some haven't. Sometimes, contractors that specialize in another area and have no experience whatsoever offer waterproofing services. Their specialty may be somewhere else.

Get quotes and ask lots of questions. Go with your gut feeling. If it tells you that the company doesn't seem to know what it's talking about, pass on it.