Waterproofing Project –

Currently, the best option for homeowners looking to waterproof their home is to seek assistance from a full-time waterproofing firm. Projects to install an interior basement drain or obtain crawl space repair and encapsulation may significantly extend the useful lifespan of a residence. Yet even initiating this type of major home improvement sometimes strikes real estate owners as daunting. What steps should you take in order to obtain the best value from waterproofing? Just consider some of these tips:

1. Observe Conditions in Your Location Carefully

First, pay close attention to your real estate. Have you noticed significant pooling in one section of the yard during heavy rains? Do the sides of an unfinished basement display water marks from past water pooling? Does your residence already have a gutter system and downspouts in place? By observing the conditions of your home and grounds, you may suspect your real estate would benefit from professional waterproofing services.

2. Schedule an Inspection by a Qualified Waterproofing Company

Today, a growing number of firms offer waterproofing services on a full-time basis. Try and select an experienced firm with a good reputation in your local area to conduct an inspection of your home. You’ll likely pay for this service. However, obtaining a waterproofing inspection could help you save significant sums of money over the course of time. You’ll want to locate a firm willing to assist your documentation efforts if you do require bank financing for a waterproofing project.

If you reside in a dwelling with a basement or cellar, the inspection will focus extensively upon waterproofing lower levels of the home. If your home lacks a basement, but does include crawl spaces, the inspector will want to observe the crawl spaces closely to check for any signs of water, mold or pest damage. Ask your waterproofing expert to prepare a written report documenting the findings of the inspection in detail. This document should include any recommendations for waterproofing services, as well as extensive photos of the basement or crawl spaces. (In some cases, a waterproofing expert may advise you to also obtain a further inspection from an engineer specializing in building foundations or soil conditions.)

3. Discuss The Inspection Findings With Waterproofing Experts

Discuss proposed waterproofing concerns and potential solutions in detail with your waterproofing firm and, if applicable, with an engineer. Your experts may outline a variety of possible solutions for specific types of water drainage issues. You’ll want to understand their recommendations in order to make well informed decisions concerning waterproofing your home.

4. Develop a Waterproofing Plan for your Waterproofing Project

You may discover your residence does not require further waterproofing at this time. Your plan of action on this issue may become as simple as scheduling waterproofing inspections every few years. On the other hand, if water in basements or crawl spaces does pose a hazard, you may wish to evaluate a number of possible solutions. Waterproofing companies often provide several available services to assist homeowners in maintaining dry basements.

These approaches may include installing specialized drains, such as an interior basement drain with a sump pump, or cleaning and encapsulating a crawl space. In some situations, significant landscaping changes around the exterior of the home and the addition of a gutter system or retaining walls may prove helpful. Yet since the best approaches for waterproofing often hinge upon specific property conditions, it makes sense to discuss all your available options in depth. Ask for assistance from your experts as you prepare a waterproofing plan.

5. If Necessary, Seek Financing for your Waterproofing Project

In some situations, undertaking a significant waterproofing project, such as the installation of an interior basement drain beneath the basement floor, may offer the best long term solution for a water drainage problem. The waterproofing report and its attached photos will assist you if you need to obtain financing to implement a recommended solution for your home’s water drainage problems.

Your discussions with your experts should help you explain the purpose of a proposed waterproofing project more clearly to lenders. Shop carefully if you must obtain a loan to afford home improvements. Consider discussing the terms and conditions of lending documents with your family attorney.

6. Use Qualified Contractors to Implement Your Waterproofing Project

Work closely with your team of experts to implement a waterproofing project. While these improvements sometimes cost significant sums, you may find you extend the anticipated lifespan of your residence by resolving water drainage hazards. Waterproofing an unfinished basement may allow you to eventually finish a basement. Also, to expand available living space within the residence, also.

Careful Planning for a Waterproofing Project

Plan waterproofing projects carefully to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. Also, homes without drainage problems provide more pleasing living spaces. Waterproofing offers long term safety benefits, too!