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Reported on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 7:49 PM

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BBB has determined that this business meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.

BBB accreditation does not mean that the business' products or services have been evaluated or endorsed by BBB, or that BBB has made a determination as to the business' product quality or competency in performing services.

Based on BBB files, this business has a BBB Rating of A+

Click here for an explanation of BBB Ratings.

This business is a commercial/residential, basement & foundation contractor and offers waterproofing.

PO Box 4173, Rome, NY 13442-4173, Oneida County
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(315) 336-4792 (FAX)

The company's size, volume of business and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by the BBB. The complaints filed against a company may not be as important as the type of complaints, and how the company has handled them. The BBB generally does not pass judgment on the validity of complaints filed.

Number of complaints processed by the BBB
    in the last 36 months: 4
    in the last 12 months: 2

The BBB has no information regarding Government Actions at this time.

The BBB has no information regarding Ad Reviews at this time.

Basement Waterproofing

The following is BBB general information and is not intended as a report on any specific company.

Weather changes can lead to wet or damp basements, with problems ranging from occasional dampness to severe water damage to walls and floors. In some cases it is difficult to determine whether the water is coming from the outside or from condensation on the inside. To determine where the water is coming from, tape a twelve-inch square of aluminum foil to the damp wall area. Seal all four sides of the aluminum foil as tightly as possible. If in a couple of days, the outside is wet, it is condensation. A dehumidifier in the basement near that wall will help solve that problem.

However, if the side of the foil that was against the wall is wet, it is seepage. This may be more difficult to overcome. It may be necessary to excavate and seal the wall, or a drainage system may be needed to carry the water away from the home.

The Better Business Bureau urges homeowners not to panic. Don't ignore the problem, but consider taking the following approaches to ensuring a reasonable result.

* Look for obvious solutions first. Slope lawns away from the house, and slope the ground away from the outside foundation. Plant grass so that water does not drain into the basement. Trim heavy shrubbery so that soil dries quicker and allows for ventilation around the basement walls. Keep gutters and downspouts clear.

* Consider drainage systems or waterproofing compounds. Installing an interior drainage system on the inner side of the foundation is one method to eliminate wet walls. Applying waterproofing compounds to the interior walls may solve the problem of mild and occasional seepage. An extreme measure to make walls watertight involves excavating and exposing basement walls. However, be aware the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) finds that injecting waterproofing substances between the exterior and the wall "has not demonstrated a satisfactory performance and is not acceptable under HUD standards".

* Hire a home inspector. Before hiring a basement waterproofing contractor, you may find it beneficial to have a home inspector make an independent assessment of your problem. Check with the BBB on the reputation of the home inspector and the waterproofing contractor before hiring.

* Beware of contractors who require large payments in advance. Generally homeowners should obtain 3 written estimates to compare recommended procedures and costs before signing a contract.

* Read the contract carefully. Once you've decided on a contractor and the appropriate steps to take, read the entire contract before signing it. A full description of the work, a payment schedule, and a guarantee should all appear in a written contract. Keep a copy for your records.

*Know your rights. New York State law allows consumer to cancel the contract in writing within 3 business days. This clause should appear in the contract with directions for canceling.

For more information, contact:

Better Business Bureau
(800) 828-5000** 10 AM - 2 PM Weekdays
www.upstateny.bbb.org

New York State Attorney General
(800) 771-7755
www.oag.state.ny.us

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
(877) 382-4357
www.ftc.gov

National Association of the Remodeling Industry
(800) 611-6274
www.nari.org

This information is general in nature and is not intended as a reliability report on any company, product, or service.

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As a matter of policy, the BBB does not endorse any product, service or business.

BBB Reliability Reports are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information in this BBB Reliability Report is believed reliable, but not guaranteed as to accuracy.

BBB Reliability Reports generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Reliability Reports are subject to change at any time.

If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted the BBB for a BBB Reliability Report.

ID: 12000111
Report as of: 2/9/2010 7:49 PM

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