I see many companies listed, some independent, more regional And nationals
with 800 numbers. Hard to get reviews. I was looking into angies list, then
chickened out. Any recommendation in northeast, Pittsburgh area.

Greg

On Sunday, August 11, 2013 10:56:25 PM UTC-4, Gz wrote:
I see many companies listed, some independent, more regional And nationals

with 800 numbers. Hard to get reviews. I was looking into angies list, then

chickened out. Any recommendation in northeast, Pittsburgh area.



Greg


First thing I would do is check what is going on with water outside.
Is the yard graded correctly so that it slopes away from the house?
All gutters working correctly? Pipes to take water away from the
downspouts, out to 8+ ft away from the house? Been out in a heavy
rain to see what is actually going on as opposed to what you think?
Any water pooling up near the house, etc? Those things can be the
source of many basement water problems and can greatly reduce or
eliminate them. I had a problem with water coming into my basement
once. It turned out that one of the corrugated pipes attached to
the down spout wasn't pulled up high enough. It looked OK, but in
a heavy rain, water came pouring out the top of it, right at the
foundation.

If you're going to engage a company, I would try to find neighbors
who have had work done. And make sure you talk to customers of any
of the companies under consideration.

" wrote:
On Sunday, August 11, 2013 10:56:25 PM UTC-4, Gz wrote:
I see many companies listed, some independent, more regional And nationals

with 800 numbers. Hard to get reviews. I was looking into angies list, then

chickened out. Any recommendation in northeast, Pittsburgh area.



Greg


First thing I would do is check what is going on with water outside.
Is the yard graded correctly so that it slopes away from the house?
All gutters working correctly? Pipes to take water away from the
downspouts, out to 8+ ft away from the house? Been out in a heavy
rain to see what is actually going on as opposed to what you think?
Any water pooling up near the house, etc? Those things can be the
source of many basement water problems and can greatly reduce or
eliminate them. I had a problem with water coming into my basement
once. It turned out that one of the corrugated pipes attached to
the down spout wasn't pulled up high enough. It looked OK, but in
a heavy rain, water came pouring out the top of it, right at the
foundation.

If you're going to engage a company, I would try to find neighbors
who have had work done. And make sure you talk to customers of any
of the companies under consideration.

Got a big hill right in back. The gutter was leaking. I need ditches out
back and side of house. Need sump pump, and interior wall recoated. Front
of house needs a little foundation work, and big cement deck removed. Can't
see a way to fix it.
Buying me a foreclosure. House built around 1900.

Greg

gregz wrote:
" wrote:
On Sunday, August 11, 2013 10:56:25 PM UTC-4, Gz wrote:
I see many companies listed, some independent, more regional And
nationals
with 800 numbers. Hard to get reviews. I was looking into angies
list, then
chickened out. Any recommendation in northeast, Pittsburgh area.

First thing I would do is check what is going on with water outside.
Is the yard graded correctly so that it slopes away from the house?
All gutters working correctly? . . . . ,

If you're going to engage a company, I would try to find neighbors
who have had work done. And make sure you talk to customers of any
of the companies under consideration.

Got a big hill right in back. The gutter was leaking. I need ditches
out back and side of house. Need sump pump, and interior wall
recoated. Front of house needs a little foundation work, and big
cement deck removed. Can't see a way to fix it.
Buying me a foreclosure. House built around 1900.

Since you're buying yourself a foreclosure, and you already know what things
need to be done to fix the problem, then my vote would be to skip the
basement waterproofing companies altogether. I think you'll end up spending
a lot more money by hiring a basement waterproofing company than you would
if you just hire people to do the various parts that need to be done.

There is also the question of whether you want to do any of the work
yourself. I have done, or have had done, all of the things that you
mentioned about your property on various properties that I have.

So, for example, if having the big cement deck removed is one of the things
that needs to be done (you're probably right about that) -- there could be
two options (I have done both) -- hiring someone with a backhoe to do it, or
rent a jack hammer and break it up yourself. If it is not too thick, it's
pretty easy to rent a jack hammer to break it up and it's fun to try. If it
is too thick for a jack hammer, a backhoe is probably your only option.
There are places that take concrete for recycling for virtually nothing if
you can get it there. Or, you can rent dumpsters from concrete recycling
places for a lot less than renting a regular dumpster as long as all you do
is fill it with concrete that they will be recycling.

If you go the back hoe route, the same person can probably regrade your
property to create the ditches and runoffs you said you need. Or, maybe a
landscaping company can do the deck removal and regrading that you need.
And, of course, they deliver and pick up the dumpster -- you just fill it
and they take it away.

If at all possible, don't do the inside of the basement wall yet. Instead,
have the same landscaping and/or back hoe people dig out next to the
basement wall on the outside and then have someone parge the wall on the
outside and then coat it with waterproofing "tar" (or whatever the call that
stuff).

If, after doing all of that, you find that you still need a sump pump,
either do that yourself or maybe hire a company that does them all the time
to put one in. In that case, that may be a basement waterproofing company,
but just use them to put the sump pump in -- not do the whole job.

Again, that's just my vote based on what you wrote so far.

Good luck.

"TomR" wrote:
gregz wrote:
" wrote:
On Sunday, August 11, 2013 10:56:25 PM UTC-4, Gz wrote:
I see many companies listed, some independent, more regional And
nationals
with 800 numbers. Hard to get reviews. I was looking into angies
list, then
chickened out. Any recommendation in northeast, Pittsburgh area.

First thing I would do is check what is going on with water outside.
Is the yard graded correctly so that it slopes away from the house?
All gutters working correctly? . . . . ,

If you're going to engage a company, I would try to find neighbors
who have had work done. And make sure you talk to customers of any
of the companies under consideration.

Got a big hill right in back. The gutter was leaking. I need ditches
out back and side of house. Need sump pump, and interior wall
recoated. Front of house needs a little foundation work, and big
cement deck removed. Can't see a way to fix it.
Buying me a foreclosure. House built around 1900.

Since you're buying yourself a foreclosure, and you already know what things
need to be done to fix the problem, then my vote would be to skip the
basement waterproofing companies altogether. I think you'll end up spending
a lot more money by hiring a basement waterproofing company than you would
if you just hire people to do the various parts that need to be done.

There is also the question of whether you want to do any of the work
yourself. I have done, or have had done, all of the things that you
mentioned about your property on various properties that I have.

So, for example, if having the big cement deck removed is one of the things
that needs to be done (you're probably right about that) -- there could be
two options (I have done both) -- hiring someone with a backhoe to do it, or
rent a jack hammer and break it up yourself. If it is not too thick, it's
pretty easy to rent a jack hammer to break it up and it's fun to try. If it
is too thick for a jack hammer, a backhoe is probably your only option.
There are places that take concrete for recycling for virtually nothing if
you can get it there. Or, you can rent dumpsters from concrete recycling
places for a lot less than renting a regular dumpster as long as all you do
is fill it with concrete that they will be recycling.

If you go the back hoe route, the same person can probably regrade your
property to create the ditches and runoffs you said you need. Or, maybe a
landscaping company can do the deck removal and regrading that you need.
And, of course, they deliver and pick up the dumpster -- you just fill it
and they take it away.

If at all possible, don't do the inside of the basement wall yet. Instead,
have the same landscaping and/or back hoe people dig out next to the
basement wall on the outside and then have someone parge the wall on the
outside and then coat it with waterproofing "tar" (or whatever the call that
stuff).

If, after doing all of that, you find that you still need a sump pump,
either do that yourself or maybe hire a company that does them all the time
to put one in. In that case, that may be a basement waterproofing company,
but just use them to put the sump pump in -- not do the whole job.

Again, that's just my vote based on what you wrote so far.

Good luck.

Good advice. I really don't want to tie myself down with work. I have 30
days to get the required work done for occupancy permit, but can renew. Had
a downspouts rerouted today, and had roofing guy do estimates on side
porch. The roof looked pretty good he said. Contacted home insurance
person. I was looking at cement contractors, but I asked the guy across the
street if he could do it, and said yes. He has heavy equipment. I could
install sump pump, but I might do like you say.

Nice to have guy across the street. He seems to spend most of his time
building custom cabinetry in his garage. He has two double wide garage
doors. One for cars.

Greg

As you said you have seen many companies so now it's hard to choose so best option to choose first visit the market and collect the reviews for different companies and which have more just select that one and I do not know about your area this is just my suggestion.Melbourne home builder

gregz wrote:
"TomR" wrote:
gregz wrote:
" wrote:
On Sunday, August 11, 2013 10:56:25 PM UTC-4, Gz wrote:
I see many companies listed, some independent, more regional And
nationals
with 800 numbers. Hard to get reviews. I was looking into angies
list, then
chickened out. Any recommendation in northeast, Pittsburgh area.

First thing I would do is check what is going on with water
outside. Is the yard graded correctly so that it slopes away from
the house? All gutters working correctly? . . . . ,

If you're going to engage a company, I would try to find neighbors
who have had work done. And make sure you talk to customers of any
of the companies under consideration.

Got a big hill right in back. The gutter was leaking. I need ditches
out back and side of house. Need sump pump, and interior wall
recoated. Front of house needs a little foundation work, and big
cement deck removed. Can't see a way to fix it.
Buying me a foreclosure. House built around 1900.

Since you're buying yourself a foreclosure, and you already know
what things need to be done to fix the problem, then my vote would
be to skip the basement waterproofing companies altogether. I think
you'll end up spending a lot more money by hiring a basement
waterproofing company than you would if you just hire people to do
the various parts that need to be done.

There is also the question of whether you want to do any of the work
yourself. I have done, or have had done, all of the things that you
mentioned about your property on various properties that I have.

So, for example, if having the big cement deck removed is one of the
things that needs to be done (you're probably right about that) --
there could be two options (I have done both) -- hiring someone with
a backhoe to do it, or rent a jack hammer and break it up yourself.
If it is not too thick, it's pretty easy to rent a jack hammer to
break it up and it's fun to try. If it is too thick for a jack
hammer, a backhoe is probably your only option. There are places
that take concrete for recycling for virtually nothing if you can
get it there. Or, you can rent dumpsters from concrete recycling
places for a lot less than renting a regular dumpster as long as all
you do is fill it with concrete that they will be recycling.

If you go the back hoe route, the same person can probably regrade
your property to create the ditches and runoffs you said you need.
Or, maybe a landscaping company can do the deck removal and
regrading that you need. And, of course, they deliver and pick up
the dumpster -- you just fill it and they take it away.

If at all possible, don't do the inside of the basement wall yet.
Instead, have the same landscaping and/or back hoe people dig out
next to the basement wall on the outside and then have someone parge
the wall on the outside and then coat it with waterproofing "tar"
(or whatever the call that stuff).

If, after doing all of that, you find that you still need a sump
pump, either do that yourself or maybe hire a company that does them
all the time to put one in. In that case, that may be a basement
waterproofing company, but just use them to put the sump pump in --
not do the whole job.

Again, that's just my vote based on what you wrote so far.

Good luck.

Good advice. I really don't want to tie myself down with work. I have
30 days to get the required work done for occupancy permit, but can
renew. Had a downspouts rerouted today, and had roofing guy do
estimates on side porch. The roof looked pretty good he said.
Contacted home insurance person. I was looking at cement contractors,
but I asked the guy across the street if he could do it, and said
yes. He has heavy equipment. I could install sump pump, but I might
do like you say.

Nice to have guy across the street. He seems to spend most of his time
building custom cabinetry in his garage. He has two double wide garage
doors. One for cars.

Sounds like a good plan to me, especially with the guy across the street
having heavy equipment.

been there done the wet basement thing At my moms home I had inherited..

Started by installing a exterior french drain around most of the home, waterproof outside walls with the tar coating, installed new sidewalks, steps, part of the driveway, regraded entire yard brought in tractor trailer load of gravel for under the sidewalks, new downspout lines to street at daylight.... curb appeal was awesome, basement dry I was happy, exhausted I was a laborer on the job although I had help Cost a fortune.....

2 months later the water was back burgling up thru the floor.....

So I got the interior french drain with sump pump and that solved the wet basement issue.... the interior solution was far less expensive, and far less disruptive than all that exterior work that wasnt effective

I used http://www.advancedbasement.com/inde...47&It emid=54

they did a excellent job and honestly after this was all over I wished I had gone with the interior drain first...

bob haller wrote:
been there done the wet basement thing At my moms home I had inherited..

Started by installing a exterior french drain around most of the home,
waterproof outside walls with the tar coating, installed new sidewalks,
steps, part of the driveway, regraded entire yard brought in tractor
trailer load of gravel for under the sidewalks, new downspout lines to
street at daylight.... curb appeal was awesome, basement dry I was happy,
exhausted I was a laborer on the job although I had help Cost a fortune.....

2 months later the water was back burgling up thru the floor.....

So I got the interior french drain with sump pump and that solved the wet
basement issue.... the interior solution was far less expensive, and far
less disruptive than all that exterior work that wasnt effective

I used
http://www.advancedbasement.com/inde...&idG&Item idT

they did a excellent job and honestly after this was all over I wished I
had gone with the interior drain first...

I had that site bookmarked. How long was the drain. Mind if I ask cost ??

I'm going to do a radon test first, but summer is not a good time to test.

Greg

gregz wrote:
bob haller wrote:
been there done the wet basement thing At my moms home I had inherited..

Started by installing a exterior french drain around most of the home,
waterproof outside walls with the tar coating, installed new sidewalks,
steps, part of the driveway, regraded entire yard brought in tractor
trailer load of gravel for under the sidewalks, new downspout lines to
street at daylight.... curb appeal was awesome, basement dry I was happy,
exhausted I was a laborer on the job although I had help Cost a fortune.....

2 months later the water was back burgling up thru the floor.....

So I got the interior french drain with sump pump and that solved the wet
basement issue.... the interior solution was far less expensive, and far
less disruptive than all that exterior work that wasnt effective

I used
http://www.advancedbasement.com/inde...&idG&Item idT

they did a excellent job and honestly after this was all over I wished I
had gone with the interior drain first...

I had that site bookmarked. How long was the drain. Mind if I ask cost ??

I'm going to do a radon test first, but summer is not a good time to test.

Greg

The other....

http://www.bakerswaterproofing.com/f...on-repair.html

Greg

I spent over 10 grand on the exterior french drain, with everything and me as the hard working laborer...

home is 28 feet by 32 feet exterior drain to footer drain over 3/4 of home...this about 10 years ago, so costs have no doubt gone up

bob haller wrote:
I spent over 10 grand on the exterior french drain, with everything and
me as the hard working laborer...

home is 28 feet by 32 feet exterior drain to footer drain over 3/4 of
home...this about 10 years ago, so costs have no doubt gone up

How much was the interior drain ?

Greg