“It’s not that bad right now and we have some other projects we need to get done”

“It’s not that bad right now and we have some other projects we need to get done”.  This is something we hear all to often and is then followed up by frantic phone calls in the next rain event.  The unfortunate part about delaying your waterproofing project in your basement or crawlspace is that once the problem starts to get real bad there is not much that can be done at that moment in time.  There is no quick fix, no temporary solution, just a lot of shop vac and clean up time.  Sure basement and or crawl space waterproofing isn’t something exciting like a new kitchen and or bathroom, but it is sound sleep at night or peace of mind while you are not home and it’s raining. 

Think about this.  What is in your basement or crawl space?  Utilities like your furnace, water tank, washer dryer and personal items.  Maybe your basement is finished which has even more devastating effects.  Delaying this project could cost you all of those items.  Let’s do some math.  Furnace + Washer + Dryer + water tank=???  Then lets throw in your personal items.  Now if you have a finished basement, demo + restoration??  Is it really worth waiting to take care of that water problem? 

If your basement or crawl space has foundation cracks and or settlement the stakes get larger.  Settlement and cracks in your foundation lead to other repairs throughout the house like windows and doors becoming out of plumb and no longer opening.  What if you needed to open a door or window in an emergency?  These same foundation issues can lead to uneven floors, cabinets and furnishings in the floors above.  What if you do let the problem go?  Well, it can worsen beyond more simple repairs and move into foundation replacement.  This is a HUGE project which will involve many contractors and most likely you moving out of your house for a period of time.  Have the cracks in your foundation looked at now!

Did you know the average house in NJ is sold every seven years?  Why wait until a potential buyer of your home makes you fix your water or foundation problem?  Why do the work only to have them reap all of the benefits of the dry basement or crawl space, or the stabilized foundation.  As soon as your house is inspected and the inspectors notes potential water or foundation problems it will become part of the negotiations.  The potential buyer will want you to address the problems before the house is closed on.  So, you are now under the gun to get it done before the closing.  Why go through all of the headaches when you could proceed with the work now?   Carefully select a contractor by doing your due diligence in researching the contractor. 

Have the work done now, enjoy your new dry healthy space.  Feel confident your house is stable, dry and ready to sell when the time comes!

Bob Cherry is the General Manager of Quality 1st Basement Systems.  You can read more about him here.