[AmyMarie71]

I have had one dry basement company come into my home and give me an estimate (french drain w/ sump pump). I live in the Northeastern part of the U.S. and now is the wet season. It just hit me that when I got the one estimate, that they may be charging more now that this is their busy season and businesses are booming. I have one back wall that is stained, very little mold and some water seeping in where the block wall meets the floor. I will not be needing the whole basement done.

Would waiting until fall or even closer to winter cause a drop in price for me, the consumer?

[KBC]

It might,but you re also taking the risk of expansion and contraction.The longer you wait,the (possibly) more damage could occur with each passing storm.And to wait till winter,the expansion factor compounds.

Don't get one bid,get at least 3,there has to be more than one contractor there that does this.

If it is a smaller job,perhaps a smaller company would suffice rather than a 'brand name' outfit.

And the actual problem isn't on the inside(where those companies concentrate their efforts),it would be on the outside,where the water starts to penetrate the walls in the first place.

Perhaps an excavator could answer your needs better than an interior dry basement company.

[AmyMarie71]

Yes, all basement water problems are from the exterior and unfortunately, I do not own the property. I live in a townhome community and therefore, the issue has to be tackled by means of an interior dry basement system.

I also got 2 estimates and could not believe the price difference.. over 2K!!

[KBC]

Doesn't the town home community carry this as a result of their property maintenance?

I would look into the purchase agreement about this issue.

[ballengerb1]

I agree with KBC, before tackling this you need to find out if the HOA owns the foundation, in most townhomes and condos you only own from the painted surface in.

[AmyMarie71]

Everyone here in the community have sump pumps and basement systems to take care of the water issues. The few that do not, deal with the water and mold. We have contacted the management company about the water issues and it still has not been resolved. A possible lawsuit is not out of the question but the way the economy is, who can afford it?

[ballengerb1]

Do you know the answer to my question, who owns the foundation of the building. Frequently things like foundations, driveways, roofs, etc... are common property and must be maintained by the HOA, do you belong to one?

[AmyMarie71]

Yes, the community is governed by a HOA. We have 3-4 board members and then the land management company that takes care of the finances. I believe the foundation is common property. Roofs, siding and parking lots are maintained by the HOA as well as trash, snow removal and landscaping.

[KBC]

Contact one or more of the board members and seek their input,and add that you believe that they should be responsible for this situation as YOU didn't grade the property,didn't have anything to do with drainage and didn't buy a wet property.

Check the specifics of your purchase agreement.

[AmyMarie71]

I just found out that a neighbor 2 doors down did nemtion something about this to the property management company before winter and was told it would be looked into once the weather breaks. Upon speaking with her, there has still been no movement on the situation so I took it into my own hands and emailed them myself. Two days later I was fortunate enough to be home at the time when I saw three men behind our units looking at the situation. I am still awaiting a response from the property management and will be following up with the neighbor as well. Thanks for all of your input!

[KBC]

Anything happening here?Have they contacted you(or your neighbors) yet?

It doesn't take long for a bid to be written and if they are being slow in responses,there might be legal actions for you to look into to get this on the ball(before the wet season comes again)

Don't let this get delayed any more than it already has!

Just some incentive:)