"Joe,James and Bobby did an excellent job replacing the sump pump
And drains. My husband and I were so impressed with their abilities and how hard working they were. I would highly recommend Ground works Manchester to anyone who needs the same work done. Thanks to all the gentlemen for their professionalism and work ethic"
"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."
"I had an excellent experience with Ideal Solutions on my basement remodel. From start to finish, the team was professional, communicative, and detail-oriented. The quality of the work exceeded my expectations, and the finished basement turned out even better than I imagined. Everything was completed on time, and they made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I would absolutely recommend Ideal Solutions to anyone looking for basement remodeling or home improvement work."
"Frank did a great job on everything I wanted done. He repaired my shed,put up new outdoor lighting and also extra lighting in my basement. He also did a great job repairing the warped shelving under my sink. Frank did not loaf around. He continuously worked. I would certainly hire Frank again for any future repairs. I would recommend Frank for any of your projects."
"Lorenzo from Broman's called me and set up a time and date to seal our driveway and walkway. They showed up on time were professional and completed the job to my satisfaction. I would highly recommend them."
"Just etremely pleased with this companys' attention to my emergency situation and their experienced and professional plumber that saved my day.....grateful for the recommedation to try Heritage Home Services."
"Kenson was able to come in and do the work quietly as I was working from home. He explained all the steps and the possible remediation. Paying by cc did have a heavy charge, but otherwise everything was awesome."
"George and Mike did a great job solving the tub drain problem I had. It was a two man operation and thankfully they had the tools they needed to do it quickly and effectively."
"Cody and his crew were amazing-- we had a complicated issue that required multiple visits and coordination with the city's engineers. Cody was professional, knowledgeable, and as dedicated to getting the job done right as if it had been his own home. His quotes were accurate and competitive, he and his crew were on time (and often stayed late!) and kept the work area clean and safe. We will never call anyone else!"
Basement Waterproofing questions, answered by experts
Most people consider a French drain to be one of the most effective solutions for foundation leaks, but it’s not always a standalone solution. French drains will help keep water away from your foundation to reduce the risk of leaking and structural damage from soil expansion, but depending on your foundation type and location, you might need other systems or techniques—like soil gradation and gutter and leader installation—to resolve the underlying problem.
While a standard gutter system is widely considered the most effective way to prevent water damage to your home's foundation, several alternatives are available. These options can be used on their own in certain climates or as supplementary protection.
Common alternatives include:
Rain Chains: These are decorative chains that hang from the roof's edge, guiding rainwater to the ground.
Drip Edges: These metal strips are installed at the edge of the roof to direct water away from the fascia. While often used with gutters, they can be paired with a ground-level solution but are typically not sufficient on their own.
Rain Dispersal Systems: These systems work by breaking up the heavy sheet of water flowing off the roof, dispersing it over a wider area.
French Drains: This ground-level system uses a perforated pipe in a gravel-filled trench to collect and redirect water runoff away from the house.
Drip Paths: Placed directly below the roofline, these paths made of concrete, stone, or other materials prevent soil erosion and guide water away.
It's important to note that some alternatives like rain chains and dispersal systems may not be adequate in regions with heavy rainfall because they don't divert water away from the foundation as effectively as a full gutter system. Ground-based solutions like French drains can be very effective but are often more expensive and can affect your landscaping and curb appeal. Many experts recommend installing a full gutter system for maximum protection and using alternatives as supplementary measures.
In perfect conditions—meaning, no overexposure to the elements without roofing material on top of it—an ice and water shield can last for decades. In fact, many come with a limited lifetime warranty because they should last for a long time. If, however, the membrane is exposed to the elements during building or if there is a delay in installing the roofing material, it might only last up to 180 days if exposed to the elements. The key is to make it a layer of protection and then protect that layer by installing the roofing.
A vapor barrier can last over 20 years, but they are vulnerable to pests, flooding, and other natural disasters. If your home weathers a storm or is treated for any pest infestation, make sure to have a drywall pro come check the integrity of your vapor barrier. It’s also important to have a pro install a vapor barrier since improper installation can lead to tears or leaks in the barrier that shorten its lifespan.
If you decide to fill the space around your home’s foundation with landscaping materials, it’s important to consider the aesthetic as well as technical factors like drainage and protection from pests and the elements. Materials such as gravel, rubber mulch, concrete, and brick masonry are all good options.
The Windham, NH 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.
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.