Barrier Waterproofing Systems

Important Information

Lets face it, the waterproofing industry does not enjoy the best of reputations. Barrier Waterproofing Systems began
with the idea that there is definitely a better way. With this in mind, and with no intention of undermining the
competition, allow us to explain some pit falls in dealing with basement waterproofers so that a well-informed
decision can be made in choosing the right company.

The appointment: A sure sign that you are dealing with a water control system company, and not a "waterproofing"
company, is that they will insist that all homeowners be present for the appointment. The company will not even send
a representative to your home unless both spouses, or all owners commit to listen to the pitch, better known as the
"One Legged Call''. When an appointment is scheduled under this condition, you can count on a presentation that
relies on scare tactics and high pressure to achieve a one-call close.

The salesman: Water control system salesmen generally introduce themselves as anyone but a salesman. They tend
to have very little technical knowledge, they are, however very persuasive at delivering a canned presentation.
Remember, these salesmen are trained to sell one system. They may see twenty customers a week, with twenty
different problems, yet they are delivering the same presentation every time. The salesman is not able to offer
alternatives. He is unable to offer less costly options. He is required to always sell that one system, or stand alone
method. As for sales tactics, look out for the ''drop''. If the salesman is unsuccessful in convincing you to sign a
contract, he will suddenly remember that coupon running in this weeks local paper, or, the seasonal special, as a
means of saving you a lot of money. Of course the only way you can take advantage of this terrific savings, is if you
sign the contract now. The only customers who are not offered this special deal are the ones who agree to sign the
contract at the opening price. At Barrier, your project has been evaluated carefully, therefore, the price is solid. We
feel that once you drop your original price, you take your focus off the client and put it on your cost. Finally, the water
control system salesman may attempt to discourage you from receiving other estimates. This should always be a red
flag to the customer. If they were confident in their product, and their company, they would welcome you the
opportunity to shop and compare.

The inspection: Water control system salesmen are taught to exaggerate your problem. Using words such as major,
or critical, the purpose of the inspection is to create fear, and a sense of urgency. The actual cause of the problem is
unimportant to these companies, because the solution they will present is the same for everyone. The inspection
offers the salesman an opportunity to begin the scare tactics that ultimately sells a lot of waterproofing. Here you will
be asked questions about your health. Do you have allergies, or respiratory problems? This is an opportunity to use
unreliable and easily manipulated devices such as poor air quality, moisture or mold detectors. That's why these
tests are usually offered FREE of charge. If mold is truly present and the type of mold a cause for immediate concern,
an honest waterproofer will recommend that you contact a certified mold remediator to thoroughly inspect your
basement .

The contract: Many complaints result from customers not receiving what the salesman promised. Regardless of what
the salesman tells you, if it is not specifically spelled out in the contract, you will not get it. Water control system
companies keep their contracts vague for a reason. A red flag should go up if you hear anything like, that will be up to
the foreman, or we won't be able to determine if this is needed until the job begins.

The lifetime guarantee: Read all guarantees carefully. Many guarantee against water penetrating the subsoil walls by
installing a pressure relief drainage system alone. Drainage without foundation waterproofing is doomed to failure if
there are cracks in the foundation walls. You may have contracted with a company because you were concerned
about cracking, and damp spots on the wall. A salesman may steer you to a system that does not address your
problem, and in fact, may make the problem worse. As the cracks get bigger you call for service. Nowhere in the
guarantee does it state that cracking is covered. If your basement leaks they will service it. If your wall bows you are
on your own.

The water control system: Most water control system companies rely on a stand alone interior drain system and a
sump pump to control the water. They may call it something different, but a pump placed under the floor is a sump
pump, and drains placed under the floor are interior drains. In order to gain a competitive advantage they combine
the interior system with something else, usually some sort of outside work. The outside work generally benefits the
customer very little, and allows the company to drive up their price and appear different from the competition. Some
companies, in order to eliminate the competition, actually price different methods as if they do them. They will price
exterior waterproofing ridiculously high, the interior drain method extremely low, and their other methods somewhere
in the middle. If you ask for one of the methods they don't use, you will be told they won't do it because it will not work
for you. Other water control system companies have come up with different interior methods, on top of the footer or
above the floor products. Although marketed extremely well, these systems fail in comparison to traditional tile.

The installation: Water control system companies tend to underpay their installers. This results in high turnover, and
unhappy crews. They also apply a great deal of pressure requiring their crews to work fast. When you have
inexperienced crews, cutting corners to bring jobs in on time, is it any wonder that this industry disappoints their
customers so often?

Coupons and discounts: In the home improvement industry, and particularly in the basement waterproofing business,
coupons are generally added to the cost, prior to the homeowner receiving a price. Besides tracking advertising, one
of the purposes of asking you where you heard about the company, is to determine if you are going to present a
coupon, so the price can be adjusted accordingly. Notice that the same companies offering a winter discount, will
offer spring savings, summer specials, and fall bargains. As for discounts, Barrier Waterproofing Systems believes
in offering our best price up front and all the time. We will not offer an " if you buy now discount " or a "Special $500
off coupon", and we will not continually call you offering additional discounts. Besides, what good is a discount if the
price is still greatly inflated?

The difference between us and other companies starts with our installers. Barrier Waterproofing Systems has
attracted the best of the best. We put experience into every job. When you have good people who care about their
customers, as well as their company, it shows. At Barrier Waterproofing Systems our focus is on quality, not quantity,
outcome, not income ...it's that simple.

When you hire Barrier Waterproofing Systems, you receive the highest level of business excellence, the correct
solution, a fair price, and superior quality installation.

If you have questions or concerns about your crawl space please call the professionals at Barrier
Waterproofing Systems to schedule a free inspection and estimate 636-332-5999 or C lick here to contact
us now.

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