The call
Where the water shows up, when, and how much. Which community, and what is built against the wall outside. That is enough to book the visit and to know whether it is an emergency call or a daytime one.
The assessment
Inside: every wall, the floor, the cove joint, the pit and pump, any staining or efflorescence. Outside: grade, downspouts, window wells, what is planted or built against the foundation, and a camera down the drain where there is access. You get told what we found in plain words before we leave.
The scope and the price, in writing
Which walls, which repair, how deep, what materials, what comes out and goes back, how many days, and the number. If two repairs would both work, both are priced with the trade-off spelled out. If the honest answer is a downspout extension, that is what the paper says.
The work
Interior and crack work is booked within weeks in any season. Exterior excavation is booked for the open-ground season, April to late November. Anything that has to move — furniture, drywall, sod, interlock, a deck section — is listed in the scope so there are no surprises on the day.
The water test
Water is run against the repaired wall or into the new drain before we leave. A pump is cycled until it proves itself. If anything fails, we are still on site to fix it.
Put back, and documented
Sod, plants, interlock and the slab edge go back. You keep a diagram of what went where — the thing a buyer's inspector asks for the day you sell.
Ask anyone
Eight questions to put to any contractor
Including us. If the answers are vague, keep looking.
Which of the five entry points did you find?
If they cannot name where the water gets in, they are guessing at the repair.
Why this repair and not the other one?
Interior and exterior each have a case. The reason should be about your wall, not their truck.
What comes out, and who puts it back?
Drywall, sod, interlock, decking. It should be in the scope, itemised.
Is the drain wrapped in filter cloth?
Unwrapped pipe in this sand silts up again. It is a cheap step to skip and an expensive one to repeat.
Where does the discharge end?
A line that stops at the wall sends the water straight back to the pit.
What happens when the power goes out?
A pump with no backup is a pump that stops in the storm.
Is there a water test before you leave?
The only proof the repair works is water against it.
Can I have all of that in writing?
Scope, materials, days, price. Before any deposit.
The assessment is free and takes about an hour. It is the same visit whether the answer is a full exterior job or a downspout extension.
Book a free assessment