"It went well. They are being professional in their follow-up as they are trying to have us install an expensive basement drainage/pumping system. We haven't decided yet, as it will be part of our basement gut/rehab project."
"Stephen and Wendel's crew at Key Waterproofing Construction did an excellent job in waterproofing my basement with cement. They were extremely professional, and superfast. Completed the job in five hours, had a crew of six, to completed a foundation of 200 sq ft. The price was right and job was impeccable, crew left the site nice and clean."
"sealpro Max did an excellent job on my basement, respect and responsibility was what caught my attention the most, I recommend seal pro max to all my friends, my basement had water infiltration and now it's dry, thanks to Seal pro Max ??"
"Just finished a visit with Foreman Doug and his crew, Devin, Sean, and Mason. Waterproofing the basement and super sound and solid work! Doug was professional and very good at keeping me in the loop with the project over the 3 day visit, and created a solid system that we are confident will keep water out of the basement forever. Above and beyond as well with problem solving when having to find solutions to fit our basement layout, all with a solid financing option/great price and 5 year warranty/ yearly inspection plan. If you are stuck with water in your basement, get Groundworks working for you ASAP!"
"I was impressed with his knowledge and professionalism. He installed a French drain system with a vapor barrier on the walls. He prepped the area to protect our belongings, made sure everything was cleaned up after the end of each day, and provided exceptional service and quality. I would highly recommend him!"
"Mixed review I had spoken with other radon remediation companies and received quotes before meeting with Erickson Foundation Solutions. The salesman, Chris, seemed much more thorough in his approach and he gave a presentation explaining radon, its danger and the process to remove it. The quote was slightly higher than another quote, but I felt more confident. And with the added fan moisture guard, the system came with a 10-year warranty. So I agreed to the proposed plan and paid a deposit. Later I decided to not install concrete in the adjacent (but not connected) basement/crawl space. I asked Erickson to quote installation of plastic sheeting to seal that space. John, the sales manager’s quote doubled the total price. I already had found durable plastic sheeting for about $300. So how would that become $2000 extra? John explained that there would be a drainage mat under the plastic and it would be attached every few inches to the walls and then sealed with caulking. But besides sealing the area, the quote also included another extraction hole and piping to connect it to the fan. This seemed to me like over-kill for a 1200 square-foot house. But he said without the second extraction location, they would not warranty the job. So I accepted the “up-sell” and signed. Today the office called to tell me when the crew would arrive and they arrived on time and were very pleasant. However, they did not have the drainage mat. They called their supervisor and was told that it was not included in the quote and would be an additional charge. In fact it had been a verbal inclusion, not written. The crew was surprised that a second extraction hole was quoted, since the radon levels were not very high to start (3.8 and 5.4). So I feel that I accepted a possibly unnecessarily elaborate system, more elaborate than I probably really need, for twice the price. And didn’t receive the drainage mat that I was told would be part of it."
"We needed retaining walls built alongside our driveway. Avalon Masonry and Construction got the job done to our specifications within a few days. It looks great!"
Basement Waterproofing questions, answered by experts
Roughing in and connecting utilities are the hardest parts of finishing a basement, and they’re the parts we typically don’t recommend doing as a DIY project. Unfortunately, your finishing timeline can be extended by weeks while you wait for contractors and inspectors to install electrical wiring, plumbing lines, and heating/cooling equipment and carry out inspections.
Having a trusted crawl space contractor is the key to great encapsulation. If you're not sure how to hire a crawl space pro, begin by asking your neighbors for referrals. Homes in your neighborhood will often have a similar foundation to your house, and personal recommendations are one of the best ways to find a contractor. Additionally, double-check that the contractor has experience with encapsulation as well as proof of their license and insurance.
Physically, the most challenging part of finishing a basement is installing egress windows or doors when the space is below ground level. Mentally, the hardest part may be envisioning the project and planning around load-bearing and mechanical obstacles.
Standard homeowners insurance policies may cover basement water damage or flooding, but only if it is caused by a sudden and accidental event that is a covered peril, such as a burst pipe or a failing appliance. Damage caused by natural flooding from extreme weather, groundwater seepage, or heavy rain is typically excluded and requires a separate flood insurance policy. Some insurers also offer an optional water backup endorsement for issues like sewer backups. Review your policy or speak with your agent to understand your specific coverage.
In most cases, it is safe to live in a home with minor foundation problems, but you should not let the issues persist. Virtually all foundations have small cracks from normal settlement, which are not a structural concern but should be sealed to prevent water intrusion. However, major damage—such as large structural cracks, sinking foundations, or bulging walls—can make a home unsafe. Other issues that can pose safety and health risks include poor indoor air quality from mold or pests, uneven floors, and rotten beams or joists. It is always best to have a foundation repair expert or structural engineer inspect any issues to determine if your home is safe to live in.
The Lawrence, MA homeowners’ guide to basement waterproofing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Need to fix basement water problems or safeguard your home in Boston, MA from damage in the future? Use this basement waterproofing cost guide to budget appropriately.
A variety of factors can affect your total crawl space encapsulation cost in Boston, MA. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of this project, whether you hire a pro or DIY.
Find out the average basement remodel cost in Boston, MA. Learn what you can expect to pay for local contractors, materials, and finishing your lower level.
Dealing with a damp basement? Follow these steps for DIY basement waterproofing to keep water and moisture out and boost your home’s energy efficiency.
Can’t seem to get rid of the moisture and mold in your basement? Learn why basements tend to hold moisture and how to get rid of moisture in the basement.