Double Check their Insurance Coverage
One of the biggest problems faced in the waterproofing and mold remediation industry is insurance. It is becoming more and more difficult to find insurance companies who are willing to offer coverage. Companies in our industry are being dropped every day. Another issue is that General Liability policies now have an exclusion for mold problems. Therefore, if you hire a company to resolve your issues and they cause or worsen a mold issue, they will have NO insurance to cover them unless they carry Pollution Liability insurance in addition. Please make sure that the company you retain to resolve your issues carries General Liability, Pollution Liability and Workmen’s Compensation.

Permits ARE Required in New Jersey
As of January 1, 2006 all home improvement contractors in the state of New Jersey whose average contract price exceeds $500 must be licensed by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. In addition, a contractor cannot obtain a permit from any town in the state unless they are licensed. Many contractors tell their customers that permits are not required to do this work. More than 95% of towns in New Jersey require both a building and plumbing permit to install an interior water management system (French drain). All of the towns require permits when doing outside excavation. Please make sure that either your contractor or you obtain all the required permits so you have no future problems with the town or selling your home.

Get it in Writing
Many waterproofing contractors do not give their potential customer a detailed written estimate of the work being performed and the warranties, if any, that are included. This is done for two main reasons. First, the company knows their solutions and/or warranties are inferior to other companies. Secondly, the customer has a difficult time comparing “apples to apples”.  These companies tend to be the cheaper ones and want you to think that they are doing the same work as the more expensive ones. The Better Business Bureau recommends that all contractors leave a written estimate that details all of the work being performed, the warranties (if any) and the total cost. Don’t accept a business card with a price on the back, a vague estimate, an oral promise or “I’ll mail it to you when I get back to the office”.