Originally posted 9/18/18, revised 12/3/20
All contractors are not created equal. We’ve all heard stories of homeowners who have been scammed: a seemingly legitimate contractor offers you a great price on a project, shows up the first day or two, takes your money, then never returns to finish the job. Unfortunately, these stories are not urban legends or myths; there are con artists who actually do these things to unsuspecting people.
This can make you hesitant to hire anyone to work on your home, and that is completely understandable. But there are times when your house needs repairs, and they’re beyond what a DIY fan can accomplish. So how do you find a trustworthy repair company who isn’t trying to take advantage of you?
Acculevel has been repairing foundations and waterproofing basements since their start in 1996. Family-owned and operated, we are based out of Rossville; it’s a small town in central Indiana where neighbors take care of each other and are involved in their community. We believe everyone has a right to a safe and healthy home, and we want to help you find the contractor you need- without being cheated or treated unfairly.
To help homeowners find a qualified and reliable contractor, we’ve provided five essential attributes to check out before signing a contract with anyone.
One: Specialization
There are many instances where a general contractor is needed. But they are not the best fit for basement waterproofing. You should look for a company that specializes in this type of service; they will know the best products, the most effective methods, and they should offer an extended warranty on their installation. Acculevel guarantees their basement water drainage systems for the life of your structure.
A more general repair company may be able to do the job- but you can’t be sure they won’t create other issues in the process. If the job isn’t done properly, the result can be additional or worsening foundation problems. You don’t want to pay for waterproofing in the summer, then have to pay for cracks in your basement floor or wall in the winter.
Two: Reputation
Word of mouth and personal interaction are the easiest ways to determine if a contractor is right for you. Ask people you know, who have needed the same services: neighbors, friends, your local HOA. You can also check with realtors or the chamber of commerce.
You’ll probably want to read reviews of their work, which can be helpful. Just remember to take these with a grain of salt. Some companies pay people to post good reviews or testimonials, have their employees (or family members, friends, etc) create false entries, or engage in other deceptive shenanigans. Google is developing methods to prevent or “flag” these entries, and many retailers now tag reviews if they’re from a verified purchaser- but be aware that the potential exists.
Three: Verification
We highly recommend that you use the Better Business Bureau to verify the company is accredited, insured and how long they have been in business. Their site also contains reviews, complaints, and a business rating.
You should ask the contractor about their employees’ status before agreeing to work with them. Will the people working in your home be direct employees, vetted by the company? Or do they employee subcontractors? Make sure you know who will be liable, if something unexpected happens.
Four: Communication
When you contact a company to schedule an estimate, they should respond promptly and respectfully. The representative who comes to your home should also be respectful, and listen when you explain your concerns.
Some contractors are very good about explaining things in layman’s terms, but others may use unfamiliar or technical terms. Do not hesitate to ask for clarification, or a more detailed explanation. Take notes, read blogs (like this one!) that explain how and why specific solutions are recommended. The more you know, the more confident you can be when evaluating your options.
Five: Transaction
Last, but not least, the estimate and payment terms should be clear and direct. Make sure you know what costs you’ll be responsible for; are there taxes or fees not included in the price? What if there are permits required? Are the items individually priced, or is it a “lump sum” they’re quoting? We have another article here, that breaks down the permits, surcharges, and fees most commonly found in our industry.
Additional Resources
Many repair companies offer discounts, but that doesn’t mean you’re getting the best price. We explain the pros & cons of contractor discounts.
Want to hire a reputable company, get the repairs you need, and stay on budget? Here are three simple steps to getting the best deal.
If you’ve scheduled for a contractor to come to your home, please consider our free, downloadable guide to questions you should ask a contractor.
The Next Step
For a free, in-depth look at basement waterproofing, check out our guide. You can read it from end to end, select the chapter relevant to you, or bookmark it as a reference when you meet with contractors.
If you live in Indiana or the surrounding states, contact Acculevel. We are a family-owned and operated company, and we provide free written estimates. One of our experienced project advisors will evaluate the basement and foundation, then recommend the best course of action for you. We believe everyone deserves a healthy and secure home, and we want to help you protect yours.
