How To Avoid Basement Waterproofing Fraud and Scams
Avoid Waterproofing Fraud and Scams By Having All the Information
Becoming a victim of a home repair scam could be easier than you think. This is particularly true when it comes to basement waterproofing.
Basement waterproofing is one of the most expensive repairs you will have to make on your home and you don’t want to do it twice. Make sure it’s done right the first time.
Fraudulent companies and unreliable professionals often rely on the fact that most of us regular folks do not really know too much about what exactly goes on “under the hood”. And unlike other home repairs, exterior basement waterproofing is covered up and hidden underground. Only a guaranteed dry basement will give you the reassurance that the job was done properly.
Homeowners need to really trust the repair services they are consulting in order to assess the scope of the damage or the cost of their home repair. In some cases, malicious people can take advantage of the unawareness of their clients and perpetuate frauds and scams. Keep reading to learn more and to hopefully stay clear of fraudsters who want to take your money!
Does It Sound Too Good To Be True?
As the old adage goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is! Some of the best basement waterproofing deals would often come in the form of unsolicited offers. If someone contacts you with supposedly great deals or ridiculously competitive prices, you should immediately start seeing red flags. If you find yourself tempted by a particularly juicy offer that seems too good to pass up, take a step back and do some research. Ask for references and credentials, and scour the Internet to find out as much information as you possibly can about the company offering the deal.
Recommending More Work Than You Actually Need
This is probably an easy one to imagine, but there are many contractors out there who will go to great lengths to dramatically up-sell their services. They often try to convince you to make dramatic modifications to your home, and that this is the only way that you could actually solve the issue of a wet basement, once and for all.
In some cases, fraudulent contractors will suggest that you sign on for more work than you actually need. It is not uncommon for scam artists to recommend digging out the entire foundation of a home and waterproof the whole parameter of it to fix a problem that could actually be fixed with less expensive work.
The contractors know that the likely culprit for a damp basement could be easily identified and fixed, without the need to tear it all apart and rebuilding it again, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars worth of work.
Here at RCC, we look at smaller issues first, such as improper sloping, as well as coming up with cheaper ways to reduce moisture levels in your environment.
What Is The Cost Of Waterproofing A Basement?
In order to prevent working with someone who could have overestimated the amount of work that’s actually needed, it is always a good idea to request estimates from different companies. By requesting various quotes, you could get a better idea of the average amount you can expect to pay, as well as the kind of work that will probably fix your basement waterproofing problems.
Is There A Warranty?
Some waterproofing companies may offer a warranty. However, most of them have not been in business long enough to offer a 20 or 50-year warranty. A good tip for those of you who are looking for a reputable waterproofing company, call them up as a warranty claim and see how they deal with your claim. Do they keep track of their jobs and are they willing to honor the warranty? Or, ask for references. Check their website and social media pages for references and reviews.
RCC Waterproofing Will Provide References
In conclusion, the best thing you can do to avoid getting ripped off is to keep your eyes open and always consult more than one company! This way, you can easily spot a dishonest quote, and avoid falling victim of a basement waterproofing scam.
Related: Top 10 Questions To Ask Your Waterproofing Contractor
RCC Waterproofing and Foundation Repairs has been servicing Ontario customers for over 100 years. Their repairs have outlived lifetime warranties by at least two times. The company provides professionally trained sales representatives to view, assess and quote on repairs. The installers are employees of RCC and most have long term working relationships. RCC carries full insurance including WSIB coverage and HST registration.
RCC Waterproofing offers:
- A Lifetime Waterproofing Guarantee!
- 24-hour emergency services for Ontario residences
- Fully trained technical sales representatives to view, assess and quote the repair
- Over 100 years of third-generation family success both in products and services and superb warranty
- Full-service options, providing either exterior or interior repairs depending on issues, location, and structure
- A successful record of servicing over 75,000 customers
