How It Works: Basement Waterproofing Requests in Baltimore, MD
This page follows a basement request from Baltimore, MD once you send it. One independent local contractor receives it and gets in touch; from then on, the visit, the price and any contract are between you and that company.
What Happens Behind the Form
Maryland's Home Improvement Law treats anyone who performs, or offers or agrees to perform, a home improvement as a contractor, and anyone who negotiates or seeks to get a home improvement contract as a salesperson. Both roles need an MHIC license. Basement Waterproofing Baltimore MD holds no such license and avoids both roles: it offers no work, seeks no contract for anyone, names no contractor and simply passes on your request to be put in touch.
One contractor may pay this site a flat advertising fee, free for now as a trial, and it never depends on whether you hire anyone. Homeowners pay nothing and are offered no reward of any kind for asking.
The Steps in Order
- You send a few details. Use the form to share your address and a sentence on where the water appears.
- One company hears about it. A single independent contractor serving the Baltimore area receives it, and no one else.
- The contractor reaches out. They talk it through and, if you agree, visit to look at the walls, floor, downspouts and lot.
- You read and decide. The estimate comes in writing from the contractor. Check the license, compare other estimates if you like, and reply when ready.
What to Ask the Contractor
Maryland has no separate waterproofing license, and neither the City nor the County can add one of its own, so MHIC is the license that counts. This site checks nobody, so these questions are yours to put.
- What is your MHIC number? Look it up on MHIC's online lookup, or at 410-230-6231 or 1-888-218-5925, before you sign. A contractor holding that license can make the state's Guaranty Fund available, up to $30,000; eligibility limits apply.
- Who does the plumbing? A sump tie-in to any drain, a backwater valve, an ejector or lateral work belongs to a Maryland-licensed plumber, who pulls the plumbing permit.
- Who pulls the building permit? In the City it comes from DHCD, in the County from PAI, and it carries the contractor's MHIC number. Underpinning a City party wall also needs sealed plans and 10 days' written notice to neighbors.
- May I see the contract in writing? It should be signed by both sides and show the contractor's name, address and MHIC number. Nothing may be paid before signing, and the deposit tops out at one-third of the price.
- What does the warranty cover, and can I see proof of insurance? Get warranty terms on paper, including whether they pass to a buyer.
- Where are you based? Look for a local address, references and no same-day pressure. The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, (410) 576-6557, can share complaint history.
What You Won't Get From Us
Once your request is passed on, this site's part is over. It sends no one to your home, inspects nothing, gives no bids or prices, takes no deposits, arranges no work, signs nothing and favors no method or company. It is not a plumber and has no role in insurance: policy questions belong with your insurer or agent, and the City's backup programs with 311. License complaints go to MHIC.
Get Matched With a Contractor
When you're ready, the form puts your request in front of one independent contractor near you, who then contacts you.