WEIGHING THE COSTS

AN UPFRONT INVESTMENT TO SAVE OVER TIME

John's Waterproofing is the leading basement repair contractor in Oregon, and has fixed thousands of basements (and crawlspaces) damaged by leaks and dampness.  We have seen the distressing results of neglect or ignorance of existing foundation problems.  As we see it, the question really SHOULD be - "Can I really afford NOT to?"  We encourage you to take the simple and easy steps it takes to learn more about what is going on in the space under your floor.  Consider this:

1. Your basement is useful space.  It should not be sitting there underutilized because of problems resulting from dampness or leaking or flooding.  Most people wish they had more square footage.  It doesn't make sense to have it and yet not use it.
2. A wet or damp basement is a SICK basement, and can make YOU sick.  A perfect environment for mold and mildew growth, this air does not remain in the basement, separate from the rest of the house.  In fact, there is a constant airflow from the bottom of your home (the basement), to the top.  The warm air in the upper part of your home escapes upwards and outwards. It is replaced by the lower levels (the basement).  This is called the "stack effect".  This means that whatever is in your basement air, is in your house and affecting you and your family. If the basement is high in humidity, the upstairs will be more humid. If the relative humidity in your home is more than 50%, dust mites thrive. Dust mite droppings are the number one allergen that people with asthma and allergies react to indoors. (For more information, go to www.housedustmite.com) If there is MOLD in the basement, there are mold spores upstairs. And mold in the home is BAD. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to mold causes asthma. And it aggravates asthma symptoms and mold allergies. Who wants to volunteer for respiratory problems? And medical bills?
3. Damage to upper level(s). Since the air flows upward from the basement, humidity will affect the rest of your home in many ways. Here are a few: Sticking, swollen doors and windows, frost or condensation and mold on the inside of windows in cool weather, increased heating bills (damp air takes more energy to heat), decreased life of roof sheathing and shingles, decreased life of the paint on the outside of your house.
4. The resale value is greatly affected by the condition of your basement. Buyers expect a dry basement. Home inspectors have a keen eye for water problems because that's what they are hired for. There is just no hiding your wet basement problem when you go to sell your home. Your home will be considered a "fixer-upper".  Either nobody will buy, or you will have to lower the price. If the price of your home were to be reduced by 10%, in order to get it to sell with existing basement problems, how much of a loss would that be for you?  But, if you invested that now on the basement, your home - with a safely dry basement, will be even more valuable when you go to sell. And you will avoid property damage and aggravation while you still live there!
5. Need more livable space in your home? You could put an addition on your home for $120 to $220 per square foot, if your property is of the size to allow that. Or, you can finish the basement for only $50 to $70 per square foot. A bargain. But you can't finish your basement if it's  wet, not even a little bit wet, not even a little bit of the time. Or you'll be dealing with peeling paint, molding wood and/or carpet, dank smells and more.
6. Your homeowner's insurance will NOT cover damages due to groundwater leaks.  Don't discover this the hard way, AFTER the damage has been done.  How much will that cost you?
7. You and your home are worth the money spent.  If your house is worth owning, with a wet unusable lower level that causes property damage, possible ill health, frustration, anger, and even despair - then, do you not agree that it is even more worth it to own a home that provides you and your family with a dry, usable space that creates a healthier environment, more living space and greater resale value?
8. Remember the old adage, "you get what you pay for"?  Yes, there are cheaper waterproofing companies out there. But by choosing the right contractor to do the right things and use the right products for your home, you can reduce the chances of having water problems again to a statistically insignificant number. And when you have a reliably dry basement, you can turn it into a comfortable finished space, if you want to. What would you do with it? Family room? Home office? Another bedroom/bath? Rec room?  Big-screen entertainment center?   So many possibilities!
9. This is the simple, easy part.  You want to know what is happening to your basement.  What is causing the problem you've encountered down there.  And what needs to be done.  What's the cost going to be?  John's Waterproofing has certified experts that will answer your questions completely and understandably.  You can call or click on "FREE ESTIMATE" to set up an appointment to have one of our experts come out and take a look.  Then our representative will explain it all to you, give you your options and write out his recommendations, in a low-key, no pressure manner.  There are all kinds of options to get your basement fixed right. Count the real cost of not fixing your basement, and then ask us at John's Waterproofing what is the right answer for your particular circumstances. Call us for our expert opinion. Inspection and estimate is FREE.  Our phone number is 1-503-873-5650.

When you call for that FREE - NO OBLIGATION inspection, you''ll be sent a FREE copy of the book "Dry Basement Science.  What to Have Done and Why".  (If your home has a crawl space, you'll be sent "Crawl Space Science.  What to Have Done and Why".)  Filled with color photos, it gives a detailed explanation of why you want to get your basement fixed and the excellent, reliable products we use.  You'll be surprised by all there is to know about your foundation.  Get educated on what you need for your basement or crawlspace. The more you know, the better we look!