Waterproofing 30 foot exterior foundation of 2 cracks
Our townhouse is only 7 1/2 years old and unfortunately NOT covered by the Ontario NEW home warranty, referred to as 'Tarion'...which only warranties up to 7 years. After a very heavy and concentrated rain storm in early October 2011, water penetrated through 2 foundation cracks and several 're-bar' locations which were improperly filled by the original builder, 7+ years ago. I procured several quotes on this major repair, some doing the job from the inside and some doing the job from the outside...as the basement area is fully finished...doing the repair from the inside was not an option...besides the cost to do this from the inside would have been double. After checking with the Better Business Bureau and asking DrainCom for customer references etc (we followed up on all the references provided, and these references supported our 'feeling' that DrainCom represented the most viable, responsive,& cost effective quotation) Within the week of our flooded basement area, we decided to proceed with DrainCom...confirmed the quoted price with the Office (Lisa), set up a start date for the following Tuesday. As it turned out, received a phone call, Sunday afternoon, asking IF the contractors could start on Monday...WOW !! Of course, the sooner the better... Three individuals, 2 workers and their supervisor, appeared ON TIME as specified, and commenced work IMMEDIATELY....2 crew dug a trench 3 feet wide, 8 feet deep and 20 feet long in one 8 hour day, by HAND ! I might add that the soil here in Markham is heavy (wet) CLAY, and a back breaking job ! When asked how long this job would take...ANSWER: 2 days at the most and to their word it was fully completed by 4:30pm on Tuesday...that's checking the weeping tile condition, re-chiselling out the 2 foundation cracks and filling in with injection concrete, tarring the entire surface and putting on a new waterproof membrane, and of course re-filling the trench with the original clay soil and replacing the topsoil, so I could re-plant my shrubs and hostas etc. The area was throughly CLEAN-UP satisfactory, no Mess etc. As this trenched area will settle, some soil still to go back into this area has been left intentionally for a month or two down the road, for their return visit to 'top-up' any sunken-settled areas. I've worked in the Hospitality Industry in senior management roles for 30+ years and of course are exposed to many on-going maintenance and repair issues....I must say, in all honesty, that my experience in getting this particular troublesome and worrisome job done was a very pleasant and satisfying experience...my BIG KUDOS to Draincom and in particular, the worker 'Vitalii' (Steve) and his crew member. I have no hesitation in RECOMMENDING this company with regards to any 'wet basement' repairs !! From beginning to end, JOB accomplished in 2 days...and a dry basement !! YAHOO !!!
- Approximate cost of services:
- $4,000.00
- What could this company do to improve their services?
- Perhaos have the Supervisor who introduced the working crew on Day 1, re-appear at the end of the job for a 'final inspection'....although, in my specific case I was often present to ensure the work was thoroughly completed to my satisfaction....this work for me.
- Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
- It's vital to properly identify the precise culprits causing the water leaks when it comes to foundation-basement water penetration....water damage can cause so many issues, such as moulds, mildews, damage drywalls, carpet etc. If in doubt as to where the water maybe seeping into the house...get an Infrared scan along the foundation to precisely locate the troubled areas, which helps narrow down the work and costs needed to solve the problem
- Company Response
Thank you for such a kind response. DrainCom technicians take great pride in their work. You also were a pleasure to deal with! Thank you for choosing us.