Basement Repair Companies Inquiries Soar in Wake of Winter of ’11 Snow and Rain

April 18, 2011 - PRLog -- Avoid Getting in Over Your Head When Hiring a Basement Waterproofing Contractor

Basement repair companies are busy mopping up water problems caused by this winter’s heavy snowfall and rain.   Even homes that don’t usually have water seepage problems fell victim. The spring thaw released water that could not be absorbed by frozen ground, and ended up finding the path of least resistance: People’s homes.

A Seymour-based waterproofing company reported more than a thousand calls for appointments during March as property owners reported leaks, floods and floor seepage.

While homeowner insurance covers accidental water damage caused by a burst pipe or appliance overflow, it does not cover groundwater seepage.

Basement waterproofing can deal with a myriad of problems with different products.  Connecticut Better Business Bureau, however, says property owners should not cut corners when hiring a waterproofing contractor.

Beware of telephone estimates – Industry experts caution consumers to beware of over-the-telephone estimates, and strongly recommend an estimate be based on an on-site inspection.  Better Business Bureau recommends obtaining several estimates.

Watch out for “We’ll beat their price” sales pitch – As with other home repair or improvement projects, the lowest price is not necessarily the best.  Typical basement waterproofing projects run into the thousands of dollars. A low-ball estimate may end up costing significantly more if the job isn’t done properly.
 
Check prospective contractors at www.bbb.org – Word of mouth is often useful, but consumers always should research the marketplace record of a company before signing a contract.

To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit http://www.bbb.org.

# # #

Founded in 1928, Connecticut BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. For more advice on finding companies and businesses, start your search with trust at www.bbb.org.