Tips for Hiring Professional Waterproofing Contractors

After selecting a contractor to do the work, ask for a written contract in accordance with the estimate. Read this contract carefully before you sign it. Make sure you understand its contents. If you have a question, ask an attorney to review the contract for you.

The contract should include the following:

1. The contractor’s name, address, telephone number.

2.A full description of the work to be done and a list of the materials to be used.

3.A definite date on which work will start and the length of time for completion.

4.A provision that no change in plans or specifications may be made without the homeowner’s written approval.

5.A requirement that the contractor will obtain any necessary permits or licenses to assure the homeowner that building codes will not be violated.

6. Details of payment — the down payment, monthly payments, number of payments, the total finance costs, and annual percentage rate. The annual percentage rate is your key to comparing costs for the lowest rate.

7.A statement that the contractor is responsible for insuring his employees against possible injury on the job.

8.A warranty or guarantee with all conditions spelled out. For example, if what the contractor provides doesn’t solve the water problem, what is the company obligated to do and what are the alternatives?

9. The contractor’s signature and local or state licensing number, if licensing is required.

If you plan to finance the work and the contract terms could give the contractor a lien, mortgage on other security interest on your home, or if you are solicited by a door-to-door salesperson, make sure the contract contains a provision allowing you to cancel within three business days after signing it without penalty.

When signing the contract, make sure that all blanks are filled in, and that it contains everything the contractor promised. Do not rely on oral guarantees.

Make sure you have a copy of the written contract, signed by both parties, should you have trouble with the contractor later.

If and when the contractor requests your signature on a completion certificate, inspect the job carefully to see that the work has been done satisfactory, before signing.

Even if the job is finished, do not sign the completion certificate if you have a valid complaint about the work. It is not unreasonable, for basement waterproofing work, to delay signing until after heavy rains have come, or a specified period of time has elapsed.