THE FOUR STEP SOLUTION TO A HAPPY CLOSE—

1. Learn online: why’s and how’s of basement water problems. 2. Fortify yourself by knowing over-sell’s and gotcha closings of waterproofing professional salesman. 3. Choose a contractor who has been around longer than last big rain. 4. Get a sign-off from buyer that work done will be acceptable without any further obligation on your part. The buyers will rely on a good contractor’s guaranty.

Remember, before hiring any contractor, do following:

·Contact Better Business Bureau to find out if contractor is a member of bureau. If so, obtain a copy of bureau’s report. The report contains general information about contractor and will inform you whether or not contractor has a satisfactory record with bureau. The report also contains information such as number of complaints, if any, contractor received within a determined period of time (usually 36 months).

·Ask contractor to provide references and pictures (if applicable) of his or her completed work from previous jobs.

·Make sure contractor is fully licensed and insured.

·Try to obtain a minimum of 3 price quotes for job to be performed.

After you have selected a contractor for your project, be sure to PUT EVERYTHING IN WRITING! This can save you down road in event that something becomes a disputable issue in court. Your contract should include a detailed description of work to be performed; materials that will be used; timeframes (dates) for progression and completion of project; a cost breakdown for project and payment information. Penalty clauses should also be included for any breach of contract by either party. The contract should be signed and dated.

By looking for contractors in right places and doing a little research prior to hiring a contractor, you will greatly increase your chances of having a satisfying and relatively trouble free experience that will be a win/win for you and contractor.