Clear company identity
Ask first. You should know the legal company responsible for the inspection, estimate, contract, work and warranty before agreeing to a project.
What homeowners should expect
Basement and foundation service standards: from inspection through warranty
Basement and foundation service standards mean every recommendation should connect the problem at your home to a specific repair, a complete written price and a clearly identified company responsible for the work. Each standard below is something you can ask for before you sign.
Registration and insurance
Current Vermont residential-contractor registration is checked when it applies to the work. Insurance should match the company named on the proposal.
The right experience
Waterproofing, structural stabilization, masonry, excavation, sump and crawlspace work require different experience. The company inspecting the property should be equipped for the work being discussed.
An explanation of the cause
The recommendation should explain where the water, movement or moisture begins and how the proposed system addresses it.
A complete written scope
The estimate should identify quantities, materials, drainage outlet, demolition, electrical work, permits, cleanup, finish restoration, exclusions and price.
Engineering when needed
Structural projects should state clearly and in writing whether a licensed engineer is involved in the design at all, who is responsible for hiring that engineer, and who ultimately carries responsibility for the design itself, the permits pulled and any required inspections along the way.
Protection of the property
Plan for the mess. Access, dust, stored contents, landscaping, utilities, weather protection and cleanup should all be worked out before anyone starts.
Maintenance and warranty
You should receive the maintenance requirements, warranty coverage, exclusions, transfer rules and contact information needed after installation.
Before signing
Review the company and the actual proposal
Confirm the company name, Vermont registration and insurance when applicable. Compare the described cause, repair method, outlet, restoration, exclusions and warranty, not only the total price.
For current registration and homeowner information, use the Vermont Secretary of State's official residential-contractor resources.
Vermont residential contractor resources →At a glance
The standards in one table
| Standard | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Clear company identity | Ask first. You should know the legal company responsible for the inspection, estimate, contract, work and warranty before agreeing to a project. |
| Registration and insurance | Current Vermont residential-contractor registration is checked when it applies to the work. Insurance should match the company named on the proposal. |
| The right experience | Waterproofing, structural stabilization, masonry, excavation, sump and crawlspace work require different experience. The company inspecting the property should be equipped for the work being discussed. |
| An explanation of the cause | The recommendation should explain where the water, movement or moisture begins and how the proposed system addresses it. |
| A complete written scope | The estimate should identify quantities, materials, drainage outlet, demolition, electrical work, permits, cleanup, finish restoration, exclusions and price. |
| Engineering when needed | Structural projects should state clearly and in writing whether a licensed engineer is involved in the design at all, who is responsible for hiring that engineer, and who ultimately carries responsibility for the design itself, the permits pulled and any required inspections along the way. |
| Protection of the property | Plan for the mess. Access, dust, stored contents, landscaping, utilities, weather protection and cleanup should all be worked out before anyone starts. |
| Maintenance and warranty | You should receive the maintenance requirements, warranty coverage, exclusions, transfer rules and contact information needed after installation. |