"Very polite salesman who went over the work choices we could do and gaves us several options to choose from and price quotes on each option. The workers were very friendly and hard working. They showed us what they were going to do as they went along in the process. That part was very interesting to see what they were going to do and we could ask questions as we went along then. We did the who outside drainage work and foundation waterproofed. Put in a new back up sump pump and did a whole perimeter drainage system and braced two walls. We were very impressed with the work and all the workers. I would recommend them to anyone."
"Erie Homes completed a basement waterproofing for us on 11/20/23. We were impressed and pleased by the professionalism and communication at every phase of the project. Brandon expertly explained the Erie Homes waterproofing system, sump pumps, materials, and warranty and provided us with a quote and pricing details. Having being burned by projects in the past, we came back with a long list of questions and conditions. Brandon answered every single one, made sure that we were completely satisfied with the terms, and added our notes to the contract. Project manager Gage and the team that came to our home was quick and professional. They periodically filled us in on the progress and communicated any changes or concerns. When the project was completed, they walked us through and made sure we were happy with the work before leaving. Since finishing, we have had several rainy weeks and a completely dry basement. Based on the product, work, and customer service, we will be highly recommending Erie Homes to anyone needing basement or waterproofing work."
"Matt was up front about the cost and understood our policy to obtain estimates from 3 companies before proceeding with work in our home. He itemized the estimate and explained the procedure and warranty. He was pleasant to work with! He did not require an hour of my time or insist that both my husband and I be present in order to give us a sales pitch. The price was competitive and not inflated to cover marketing expenses. I like that the company is family owned & local, and that the workers are employees, not sub-contractors. The men who did the work were efficient and we have had no water in our basement since the waterproofing was done. I believe the contractors who followed Acculevel's work were a little surprised at the materials used, and they had to adjust their plans somewhat, but all is good in the end. Thank you!"
"Mike is great at the planning and cost estimate. He gets right to work and works efficiently, finishing in less time and at a lower cost than I had expected. And he does great work! I now have a well insulated garage, and can't thank Mike enough."
"Central Wisconsin Excavating (CWE) did a fantastic job on our project. They built a solid, well-prepared foundation for our 80,000-bushel grain bin and graded our driveways perfectly to ensure water drains away from our buildings. Their attention to detail, quality of work, and professionalism really stood out. The site was left clean and properly finished, and everything was done right the first time. We’re extremely happy with the results and would highly recommend CWE to anyone needing excavation or site work done right."
"First, Bob [Provider Name Removed] took the time to explain all aspects of what is causing the mold in our crawl space. His explanation was consistent with the mold testing specialist/microbiologist we hired. The options for turning our crawl space into a mini basement were in-line with what our microbiologist said. The installation team was great to work with. They were very knowledgeable, professional, and respectful of our property. They cleaned up all the post project debris too. We are very happy with our fully enclosed crawl space that doubles as lock-and-key storage. We highly recommend the entire Basement Repair Specialists team."
"I am honestly amazed at the work that Cooper and Tony did! The entire experience from the first inquiry, to the estimate, and right down to the timeline, and clean up, exceeded my expectations by far!! This is a company that clearly takes pride in their work! I will 100% recommend them to everyone I can!"
"The project came out much better than I ever thought it would. We had pulled up the carpet and tile on the basement floor and it had left a black mastic that we could not get up. We did not want either tile or carpet back in the basement in case of any water leeks. Although A O Handy is in Wisconsin, they assured me that it was not a problem for them coming to Chicago for the work. They ground down the cement floor in the basement (about 1000 sq ft) to remove the mastic and to level out some floor. In addition, they filled holes with a cement that matched the existing floor. They applied a clear sealer to the floor. While they were there, they suggested that they seal the concrete floor in the garage. Since they had all the materials there already, the cost would be significantly lower. Made sense to me, so I had them do that also. In that I had put most of the things from the basement in the garage, preping the garage was a huge job. The guys helped me clear out the garage and were a big help, especially with the heavy things. The only down side to the project was the odor from the sealer. The garage odor cleared out quickly, but it took weeks for the basement to air out since there was so little ventilation there. The finished results: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE??.. "
Basement Waterproofing questions, answered by experts
Anything having to do with the structure of your home, such as raising the ceiling, is usually the most expensive part of finishing a basement. Another project component that could be a surprisingly high expense is adding an exterior entrance.
You can seal a concrete slab by cleaning the surface, filling in any cracks, etching the surface, applying a sealer, and letting it dry. Concrete slabs don't typically need sealing, but you can use a topical concrete sealer if you notice signs of water damage. If you haven't already fixed the cause of the leak, then you'll want to repair the plumbing before you seal a concrete slab.
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.
You don’t always need to install a dehumidifier in your encapsulated crawl space, but it might be a good idea in certain instances. If you notice obvious signs of condensation, mold, or musty smells permeating from your crawl space, a dehumidifier can help. It’s ideal for homes in humid areas.
In a worst case scenario, structural damage like rust on metal beams, rotting wood, and swelling on doors and windows can signal moisture problems that would benefit from a dehumidifier.
Generally, moisture barrier padding costs $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot, varying by brand and mix. That’s a lot more than standard padding, which runs $0.25 to $0.90 per square foot. The price difference between these two options might seem steep, but think of it as insurance against future carpet replacement costs and subfloor damage. If you have pets or kids, that extra investment in high-risk areas like your living room often pays off.
The Kimberly, WI 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 from damage in the future? Use this basement waterproofing cost guide to budget appropriately.
An unfinished basement has a lot of potential for a family room or guest suite. So how much does it cost to finish a basement? Read on for all cost factors.
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.