What to Consider Before Hiring a Waterproofing Contractor
Whether you’re a homeowner or property manager, you’ll probably need to engage a professional waterproofing contractor at some point in time. After all, waterproofing is critical to preventing water damage and maintaining the integrity and longevity of your building.
But how do you choose which contractor to work with? Here are some factors to consider before you make your decision.
Experience and Expertise
When it comes to building maintenance and repair, experience is everything. A contractor with extensive knowledge and capability likely has a proven approach, which helps ensure that there is a tiny margin for error and delay. Additionally, experienced contractors typically better understand building needs and the budget, thus making the process smoother.
We recommend reviewing the contractor’s portfolio; ideally, you should work with one that has completed similar projects. You may also want to ask contractors for client references.
License and Qualifications
You should prioritise contractors who are properly licensed. This ensures that they meet the industry standards and are more than capable of completing the necessary work. To be safe, we recommend verifying the information they provide you by checking their registration card.
In Singapore, you should find waterproofing contractors registered with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
Reputation and Reviews
The best way to find a good contractor is to ask your trusted friends and family for recommendations.
It is also helpful to check for reviews and testimonials online, which can provide valuable insight regarding the contractor’s reputation, service quality, and communication skills.
Warranty Provided
Before hiring a contractor, it is critical to ask about their warranty policy.
A reliable waterproofing contractor should offer a warranty on their work; this reflects their confidence in the quality of their services and can thus give you peace of mind.
Inspection, Assessment, and Problem Identification
A trustworthy contractor will only provide a quote once a thorough inspection of the affected area has been carried out. By first identifying potential signs of damage (even less obvious ones, such as unusual odour and the presence of white substances), they can tailor their approach to your specific needs.
Materials and Techniques
Check with the contractor regarding the materials they plan to use for the project.
We recommend requesting clear documentation of the proposed materials and asking why specific items are being chosen. This practice ensures that the contractor is knowledgeable and that good-quality materials are used.
Price and Quotation
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
While cost is a critical consideration, it should not outweigh factors such as quality, experience, and reliability. A significantly low quote may initially seem like the more cost-effective option; however, it might also indicate that the contractor uses subpar materials or produces poor-quality work, thus leading to the need for further maintenance and repairs further down the line.
Timeline and Project Schedule
Before hiring a contractor, you should discuss the expected timeline and ensure it aligns with your schedule.
Conclusion
Waterproofing is a long-lasting investment. Therefore, you should carefully consider your options when choosing a contractor to work with.
If you’re looking for roof leakage waterproofing services, check us out at OCL Building Services. As a general contractor in Singapore, we offer a wide range of services, including pressure grouting concrete repair and swimming pool maintenance.