NYC area waterproofer
#1
08-29-03, 02:22 PM
NYC area waterproofer
I am very frustrated by the complete absence of qualified, trustworthy and reasonably priced basement waterproofing contractors in my area (Staten Island, NY).
There seems to be two types of waterproofers: (1) the smaller guys who do it the old fashioned (but incorrect) way (using a perforated pvc pipe french drain system, epoxy/polyurethane injection to fill cracks, and thoroseal to seal the walls) though at a reasonable price (for my basement about $7,000); and (2) those who use more modern methods (i.e., the Univ of Minn way: using slotted ADS piping, dimpled plastic sheet drain between the base of the wall/top of the footing and the floor slab, and a wall drainage system employing either roughcasting or a type of water resistant board such as fiberglass), but will only do so for what seems to me to be a very inflated price (about $17,000!!!).
I suspect that part of reason that this price is so high is due to the fact that the two contractors that submitted such high bids are fairly large companies, and thus have higher overhead costs. However, I can't believe that there aren't any smaller companies out there that could do the same job for a lot less.
Adding to my frustration is having to put up with the games that the sales reps with the larger companies like to play.
Is there no one out there who can save me???
There seems to be two types of waterproofers: (1) the smaller guys who do it the old fashioned (but incorrect) way (using a perforated pvc pipe french drain system, epoxy/polyurethane injection to fill cracks, and thoroseal to seal the walls) though at a reasonable price (for my basement about $7,000); and (2) those who use more modern methods (i.e., the Univ of Minn way: using slotted ADS piping, dimpled plastic sheet drain between the base of the wall/top of the footing and the floor slab, and a wall drainage system employing either roughcasting or a type of water resistant board such as fiberglass), but will only do so for what seems to me to be a very inflated price (about $17,000!!!).
I suspect that part of reason that this price is so high is due to the fact that the two contractors that submitted such high bids are fairly large companies, and thus have higher overhead costs. However, I can't believe that there aren't any smaller companies out there that could do the same job for a lot less.
Adding to my frustration is having to put up with the games that the sales reps with the larger companies like to play.
Is there no one out there who can save me???
#2
08-29-03, 05:13 PM
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ballpeen,
As I am from Minnesota, I know the system that is best does cost more. Because of where you live, it seems that you need to make more calls and find more names. If need be, call your local building officials for references or contact your state NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) office and get some references.
http://www.nari.org/level2/homeowners/maq.cfm
Good Luck!
As I am from Minnesota, I know the system that is best does cost more. Because of where you live, it seems that you need to make more calls and find more names. If need be, call your local building officials for references or contact your state NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) office and get some references.
http://www.nari.org/level2/homeowners/maq.cfm
Good Luck!
#3
08-29-03, 05:25 PM
Re: NYC area waterproofer
I had the MN way done, but no sealing of the walls. Your price sounds better than mine with the sealing included. I had one new sump pit built with a battery backup pump on it. I now have three pits. The others were just dug deeper. They did it all in two days. Day one: one guy just pounding out the trenches. the second day about six guys were there for 10 hours removing dirt, concrete and filling with rock, pipe, waffle and resealing.
Ideally, you should still attempt to get water away from the foundation. I have tried, but still seem to have issues with heavy rains (hence my getting the drains). There's still more work I can do like relocating a drain from the back all the way to the front.
I haven't had any water on the floor since I had the drains installed.
I hope this helps, good luck.
Ideally, you should still attempt to get water away from the foundation. I have tried, but still seem to have issues with heavy rains (hence my getting the drains). There's still more work I can do like relocating a drain from the back all the way to the front.
I haven't had any water on the floor since I had the drains installed.
I hope this helps, good luck.
