Waterproofing Northeast
Partner · General Contractors

The below-grade sub who actually shows up.

Drain tile, sump systems, and below-grade waterproofing scheduled around your build sequence. We coordinate with the next trade, we do not create surprise change orders, and we leave the site clean.

Scope

What we sub on, what we don't.

Key takeaway
Everything we install is below grade. Drain tile, sumps, interior membrane work, French drains, exterior excavated waterproofing. We do not touch above-grade walls, roofs, decks, or plaza horizontals. If it is the wrong scope for us, we will tell you in the first email.
What we do
  • Interior drain tile and sump systems on remodels, finished-basement projects, and below-grade additions.
  • Exterior drain tile during foundation work, footing waterproofing, dimpled drainage board over the membrane.
  • Sump pump installation on new builds, sized to the building's catchment, with backup configuration if specified.
  • French drain and regrading when surface water is the actual problem and the foundation is sound.
  • Commercial below-grade work, including elevator pit waterproofing and duplex sump systems for multi-family.
What we don't
  • Above-grade wall membranes, building wraps, air barriers above the slab.
  • Roofing, balcony decks, plaza waterproofing, vegetated roofs.
  • Mass excavation or major earthwork beyond what the install requires.
  • Mold remediation, dry-out, contents restoration (handled by restoration partners).
  • Concrete flatwork beyond what we tear out and pour back during the install.
Sequencing

We work around your sequence.

The reason most subs become a problem is sequencing. We tell you our actual lead time, we hit the dates we commit to, and we coordinate with the trade going in after us.

On new builds, drain tile and footing waterproofing happens after foundation pour and before backfill. We need a 2 to 4 day window depending on perimeter footage and any complications. We show up clean, we do the work, the inspector signs off, you backfill.

On remodels, our work usually happens early in the project, before drywall, framing, or flooring goes in. If the finish carpenter is breathing down our neck, we did not communicate the lead time well enough on the front end. We try not to be that sub.

On finished-basement projects, our work happens after the finish is torn out and before the new wall is built. Common sequence: demo, our drain tile install, our concrete patch cures for 24 hours, framing.

Paperwork

The boring stuff, handled.

  • Certificate of insurance with you as additional insured, on request. Standard turnaround under an hour.
  • W9 on file, available on request.
  • MN contractor license IR802718, bonded.
  • Lien waivers on completed work, partial or final as your contract requires.
  • Permits, we pull our own scope-of-work permits where required by the jurisdiction.
  • Subcontract terms, we accept your standard sub agreement subject to a brief redline if anything is unusual. We will not slow your project down arguing over boilerplate.
New build vs remodel

Different sequences, same standard.

On new construction, the spec is set by your structural and architectural drawings. We bid what you ask us to bid. If the spec calls for a membrane assembly that is overkill for the site, or under-spec for the water table, we will raise it on the phone before the bid goes in. We will not change the spec without your sign-off.

On remodels, we walk the basement, look at what is there, and tell you what would actually hold up given the soil and the building's history. Then we bid that. If the homeowner has a budget that is a stretch for the right scope, we will tell you both honestly and let the owner decide.

For commercial work on apartment buildings, mixed-use, or anything 3+ units, the code framework changes (IBC, not IRC). The materials and documentation are different. See our commercial scope page for the spec we work to.

How to bid

How to send us a project.

Key takeaway
Email plans, scope, and a target start window. We respond within one business day with availability or a clear no. If we are bidding, we will be on site for a walk within 5 business days and back with a written number 24 to 48 hours after that.

If your project is time-sensitive, say so. We pick up the phone.

Direct contact

Andrew, Owner / Operator

Sub bids and project coordination come through me.

Ready to fix it for good?

Free inspection. Written lifetime warranty. No high-pressure sales, ever.

Family-owned · MN Contractor IR802718 · Bonded & insured · 700+ basements done