Ask the contractor to identify the observed source, explain why the proposed method fits, separate structural and water work, document Vermont registration and insurance where applicable, identify engineering responsibility, show where water discharges, list demolition and restoration, explain maintenance and warranty exclusions, and define change orders, schedule, payment and cleanup in writing.
What to know
- Ask for evidence supporting the diagnosis, not only a product presentation.
- Verify the exact legal entity, registration and insurance.
- Clarify who provides engineering, permits, electrical and finish restoration.
- Read warranty transfer, maintenance and exclusion terms before signing.
Questions about the problem
1. Where do you believe the water or movement begins, and what evidence supports that? 2. What other causes did you rule out? 3. Is this primarily waterproofing, structural, plumbing, drainage, restoration or more than one scope? 4. What part cannot be confirmed until work begins?
A good answer names observations and uncertainty. A claim that every home needs the same proprietary system is not a property-specific diagnosis.
Questions about the method
5. How does the proposed system collect, block, stabilize or discharge the problem? 6. Where will water go, and how will the outlet operate in winter? 7. What demolition, electrical, permits, engineering and finish restoration are included? 8. Are there lower-disruption or staged alternatives?
Request quantities and a plan or diagram. Confirm whether the method stabilizes a wall in place or is intended to move it, and whether a waterproofing scope also includes structural repair.
Questions about the contractor
9. What is the exact contracting entity? 10. Is its Vermont residential-contractor registration current for covered work? 11. Can it provide current insurance that matches that entity? 12. Who performs the work—employees, subcontractors or a separate network provider—and who is responsible for them?
Registration and insurance are starting points, not proof of performance. Review relevant projects, references and complaint history, and verify specialty experience.
Questions about the contract and future
13. What maintenance is required and who performs it? 14. What does the warranty cover, exclude and require for transfer? 15. How are hidden conditions and change orders priced and approved? Also confirm deposit, payment milestones, start window, cleanup, lien releases and cancellation terms.
Vermont's requirements for covered residential projects can include registration, insurance and written contracts. Use current Secretary of State homeowner guidance and seek legal advice for contract questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the single most revealing question to ask?
Ask what observation supports the recommendation. A contractor who can point to a specific condition and explain why it leads to this repair is doing diagnosis. One who moves straight to a product and a price is selling a system that may or may not match your house.
Should I get more than one estimate?
For significant or uncertain work, multiple scopes can reveal different diagnoses and methods. Compare evidence and exclusions, not only totals. When structural conclusions differ, consider an independent engineer.
What is a red flag in a waterproofing sale?
Unsupported urgency, refusing a written scope, diagnosing structural failure from a glance, promising insurance coverage, hiding exclusions, or pressuring immediate signature before you can review the contract are reasons to pause.
Sources
Government and primary sources are used for claims that can change.
How this article is reviewed
We check technical and time-sensitive claims against government, regulatory and primary sources where available. We do not present a remote diagnosis as fact. Read the editorial and source policy.