New construction suggestions

[Chris]

Hi Steve & team,

First off, let me thank you for the excellent resource you make available with this website. It's rare to see a company who is willing to give solid customer service for their products after the sale; you offer advice and solid, reliable customer service answers to people you may not even service. Bravo!

Also, your commercials on WRKO are great: succinct, to the point, and get the information about your services out to the masses.

My question (about time, right?) is regarding new construction. I did a quick search and must have missed the numerous answers you've given on this topic. I'm building a house and want a full finished, or available-to-be-finished, basement. The problem lies in the fact that the parcel of land on which I'm building is very wet. We're not talking swampland here, but I wouldn't be surprised to find water within a few feet of digging.

What can be done? I'm sure that there's some type of waterproofing/sealing that can be applied (and is probably more easily applied prior to the rest of the structure being built), but I was told by a friendly gent at Home Depot that a basement simply wasn't possible. They could "hump it up" to build on a small hill of sorts, but I'm not crazy about that look, and of all times to be picky, this is it! :)

Suggestions? I came to the right place, I'm sure!

Keep up the great work, all.

-Chris Comeau

[craig@pioneer]

Chris:

Sealants and exterior membranes work, sometimes. Exterior footing drains work too, until they fail. By code, you will need to paint damp proofing across the walls on the exterior, but it does little good.

Chris, we've seen it all and used much of what is available. In many cases, the material is the modern day equivilant of a waterproofing elixir or "snake oil". What we recommend is what we know will protect your home for the life of the structure. WaterGuard!!!

Once the footings and walls are poured, STOP!! We can install a WaterGurard Subfloor drain system and a sump liner before you pour the floor. Then the concrete contractor can pour the floor, with some assistance from us. Now you have a dry basement forever.

Vapor barrier should be considered (strongly considered) at the same time for preparation of the finished walls.

Once you get close to move in, or issues arise, we will install the sump pump in the liner and you're ready to finish.

Once you get your plan together, give us a call! We'd be happy to advise you on what we do best.

craig@pioneerbasement