Job Stories

A family in Ann Arbor, MI had been noticing water seepage and dampness in their basement for quite some time. The problem worsened during heavy rainfalls, leaving behind unsightly water stains and causing damage to the belongings they had stored in the basement. Concerned about the potential structural issues and the negative impact on their property value, they decided to seek professional assistance.   When the project Manager arrived to assess the property, he began by conducting a thorough inspection of the basement, examining the walls, floors, and any visible signs of water intrusion. It was evident to him that hydrostatic pressure was causing water to seep through the foundation walls and collect on the basement floor. Based on his assessment, he determined the best solution to solve their water intrusion problems was to install the WaterGuard Drainage System.   When our crew arrived, the first step was to prepare the basement walls by creating a narrow trench along the perimeter, just above the foundation footing. With the trench prepared, our crew placed the WaterGuard drainage channel. This system features a durable plastic construction with a wall flange design that allows water to enter the channel while preventing debris from clogging it. Once the WaterGuard system was installed, and the trench resealed, the next step was to install the SuperSump Plus. The SuperSump Plus features a powerful pump, an airtight lid, and a built-in alarm system to alert homeowners in case of any pump failures.   With the installation of the WaterGuard system and the SuperSump Plus sump pump complete, this homeowner could finally bid farewell to their basement water woes.  

A family in Ann Arbor Michigan had recently moved into a new home. Their previous home had experienced repeated wet basement problems and water damage due to faulty sump pump situations. The new homeowners wanted to ensure that something like that wouldn’t be an issue in their new home. Noticing the HomeSpec work log left by their sump pump, they realized their new home had previously been worked on by the company. The homeowners decided to reach out to HomeSpec to discuss their upkeep options and discuss their concerns stemming from their previous homeowner experiences. HomeSpec in turn sent out Keith Brown to sit down with the family and talk over all their concerns. During their discussions, the family revealed that part of the reason for some of their previous basement water problems was whenever power would go out during a heavy storm, the pump would be left nonfunctional. Keith informed them of the best possible solution to put their worries at ease. That being the UltraSump Battery Backup System. This system would automatically kick in if there was any loss of power, with a small alarm to notify owners that something went wrong in the first place. This powerful battery system can help pump out in excess of 11,500 gallons of water on a fully charged battery. The family’s mind was able to be put to ease after the installation, knowing they now had a solution to all their previous stress. The new pump could outlast other styles many times over, and with the battery backup ready to go in case of emergency, they no longer had to worry about their basement flooding.

A property management company in Ann Arbor, Mi recently bought a new property to rent out. However, once the previous owners had removed their furnishings, rod holes became clearly visible, as well as stains running down the wall showing signs of past water leaks. Knowing how this could affect their property value, they recalled previously having basement crack repair work done by HomeSpec on a different property.Remembering the positive experience with the basement waterproofing company, they had prior, they asked to meet with representative Brian by name. Brian was delighted to meet with them again and sat down to discuss what their concerns were with this new property. After a thorough inspection to ensure no more problems were hiding just out of sight, Brian outlined the steps that would be taken towards resolving the problem at hand.When the foundation of the basement was originally poured during construction of the home, metal rods were used to hold the forms together until the concrete had cured. At which point the rods were removed, leaving holes to be filled with balls of hydraulic cement. These fillings, however, are prone to wear and tear, and often can lead to leaks during rainy weather over time.HomeSpec wants to make sure we provide long-lasting, reliable solutions. Our crew began by using a water swelling hydrophobic polyurethane grout made from materials that absorb and repel water, before filling the gaps with Seal-Boss foam as well (a hydrophobic water stop foam injection), and another hydrophobic polyurethane grout to top it off flush against the walls surface. Finally, surface bonding material is smoothly applied to give the whole project a cosmetically appealing finish.The company was satisfied knowing they retained their value and could rely on HomeSpec as the best company for basement waterproofing, home foundation repair and cracked concrete repair, with outstanding service, and reliability.

A family in Ann Arbor, Mi had been starting to smell what they believed to be dampness or mildew spreading through their 1942 home. They believed the smell was likely a result of unseen wet basement problems but weren't entirely certain where water could be leaking into the basement from. Nevertheless, they felt a basement waterproofing specialist near Ann Arbor should be contact, especially since they wanted to convert the basement to a home office down the line as well.                               Project Manager Chris met with the family, and understood their concerns, beginning an inspection process that turned out to have surprising results. Chris couldn't find any indication of water damage, or leakage in the basement, but the smell the family mentioned was readily apparent. The actual cause turned out to be the crawl space below, unkept for many years with a bit of evident standing water. Chris explained his findings to the family and proposed having the crawl space cleaned out and encapsulated properly to address the situation.                                Our crew began by removing the mess of debris that spread sporadically throughout the crawl space and draining the standing water immediately, there wasn't a lot of room to work with, but our team persevered. The main task here was the installation of the CleanSpace crawl space encapsulation system; a 20 mil-thick-liner manufactured in 7 layers consisting of a mix of both low- and high-density polyethylene blends for both durability and flexibility. With its antimicrobial additive woven into the material, it ensures no new mold growth and less pests.                                 The homeowner was happy to have contacted HomeSpec for an expert opinion, rather than getting unnecessary basement work done, which could've cost them quite a bit before addressing the actual problem.

A commercial building owner in Ann Arbor, MI was having problems with water leaking under the foundation of their building. This issue had only started once they added 5 new stories to the building, in effect, this was causing mold to grow and health issues to arise for the building's occupants. The building owner knew that this was a serious issue that could have long term consequences and it needed to be addressed immediately. That's when they reached out to HomeSpec BasementFix in order to find a solution to their problems.  The first thing we did was send a Project Manager with experience in waterproofing to assess the property. The Project Manager arrived promptly and began a thorough inspection of the building. After assessing the situation, the Project Manager discovered that the cracks in the foundation due to the stress of the added weight was allowing water to leak into the building. The Project Manager then proposed a solution that involved installing the WaterGuard Drainage System to drain the water away from the foundation and the UltraSump Sump Pump to collect and carry the water away and prevent further damage to the building foundation. Once our crew arrived on the scheduled day to install the systems, they first began by digging a trench around the perimeter of the building to install the WaterGuard Drainage System. This system would intercept the water that was seeping into the foundation and direct it towards the UltraSump Sump Pump. The crew made sure that the trench was deep enough to accommodate the WaterGuard Drainage System and that it was sloped towards the sump pump. Next, our crew installed the UltraSump Sump Pump in the lowest point of the building's foundation. They carefully dug a hole to fit the sump pump and connected it to the WaterGuard Drainage System. Our crew also made sure to install a battery backup system to ensure that the sump pump would continue to operate even in the event of a power outage. Once the systems were installed, our crew cleaned up the worksite and also explained to the building owner how to maintain and operate the systems properly to prevent any future issues. The owner was more than impressed with our crew's professionalism and efficiency in completing the project. They were relieved that the problem was finally solved, and they could now have peace of mind knowing that their building was protected from water damage. In the end, the building owner was happy with the waterproofing solutions provided by HomeSpec BasementFix and would recommend them to anyone experiencing similar issues.

The Ann Arbor, Mi family found not one, but four vertical cracks in their basement's concrete walls that needed to be repaired. A coworker of theirs referred them to HomeSpec Basement fix as a specialist in basement crack repair and basement waterproofing near Ann Arbor. After initial contact, we sent our representative, Erik, to meet with the family and conduct an inspection of the problem at hand. These vertical cracks were a bit more damaging than originally inspected, but still easily handleable by our crew. We had our crew fill them with a high-pressure urethane crack injection (This seals the crack and prevents water from leaking through. The process is quick, easy, and permanent) to fill out the cracks before installing fiber power grids along dug out slants through the cracks to prevent any future spreading of the cracks from the wall’s natural movement over time. The entire process was quick, thorough, and provided a long-lasting solution.

This Ann Arbor, Mi couple found themselves in need of a basement crack repair contractor, when unattended vertical cracks along their walls were allowing increasing amounts of water in with the rainfall. A family member of theirs would refer them to HomeSpec because of his satisfaction with our previous Basement Waterproofing done. This would put the homeowners in touch with project manager Dave, who would conduct a thorough inspection throughout the house and problem areas alike, to identify the cause, best solution set, and any other possible concerns.                                              David began his proposal by addressing the original reason for his visit, the cracks. The cracks could be addressed with a high-pressure urethane crack injection which seals the crack and prevents water from leaking through. The process is quick, easy, and permanent. However, it was also recommended to install a carbon fiber power grid along slits that would be dug into the cracks to prevent them from spreading more with the wall’s natural movement. Dave also noted that part of the reason for the water damage was that the sump pump wasn't properly installed, so it was best to have it reinstalled properly, have its plexiglass sump cover resealed and extend the discharge farther away from the house to ensure water would be less likely to seep in through walls and windows.                                        The couple was left satisfied, and happy to have had Dave inspect things properly and address issues before they became potential problems, agreeing to having the work done in October. The best part being, since they were referred using our referral program, they would get a discount on the work, and their family member would receive a $50 bonus reward as well. Good reliable work done, money saved, and a bonus incentive all for a happy client.                                 

A homeowner in Ann Arbor, MI, was re-painting their basement when they came across a large puddle forming in a corner where the floor and the walls meet. Not wanting to damage anything of value in the basement, they began to move items to upper levels. Upon further inspection, a large vertical crack that went from floor to ceiling was also discovered. Having no experience with issues like this in the past, the homeowner began to search for possible causes of basement leaking and cracks in the foundation. In their search for basement waterproofing solutions nearby, they came across HomeSpec BasementFix, a foundation repair contractor best fit for the job.A Project Manager who had experience with basement waterproofing systems was selected to perform a detailed inspection of the property free of charge. After consulting with the homeowner about their concerns, horizontal cracks in the basement floor were also brought to his attention during the inspection. This, along with the leaking basement, led him to believe the cause of the cracks in the foundation was due to expansive soils. When the foundation was built, soil was “backfilled” to replace the tightly packed soil that was dug out. Backfilled soil does not hold the same watertight properties as undisturbed soil, and when excess water accumulates, it exerts pressure on your foundation walls, causing it to crack, or bow inwards. The Project Manager explained that leaving this foundation repair unaddressed could cause it to fail. After proposing a custom solution that involved Helical Piers and a WaterGuard drainage system, our crew set out to work on the repair. The first step in this foundation repair was to address the leveling of the foundation. The Helical Pier Support System is an ideal solution because it allows for the weight of the foundation to be transferred to newer load bearing soils through the piers. The helical plates welded to the shaft are advanced into the ground and adjusted to meet the requirements of the home; then the foundation is lifted back to its original level, providing a safe solution that offers peace of mind to the homeowner. The next step in this process was for our crew to waterproof the basement using our WaterGuard Drainage System. This basement waterproofing system is specifically engineered to intercept water at the perimeter of the basement and drain it away. WaterGuard is designed not to sit on the dirt, unlike other traditional piping systems, so clogging from soil, dirt, and debris is not an issue.After having their basement waterproofed and the foundation raised back to level, this homeowner was satisfied with the quality and efficiency of our crew and was happy to recommend HomeSpec BasementFix to neighbors in need of foundation repair.

A family in Ann Arbor, MI had noticed a large vertical crack in their basement foundation wall. Despite the fact that no water was coming through the crack, they had begun to experience the unpleasant effects of mold growth and musty odors in the basement. Concerned about the safety and integrity of the home and their children, they decided to seek our help to address the issue.  After we scheduled a consultation with the homeowner, we sent one of our Project Managers, Ted, to assess and conduct a thorough assessment of the family's basement and foundation. He determined that the cause of the mold and odors was likely due to the crack in the foundation wall, which was allowing moisture to seep into the basement. To address the issue, he recommended they install two systems - the Carbon Armor Wall System and the WaterGuard Drainage System. The Carbon Armor Wall System is designed to provide additional support to the foundation wall, preventing further cracking or shifting, while the WaterGuard System is designed to collect any water that may be seeping into the basement and direct it towards a sump pump, which then pumps the water out and away from the foundation. The Carbon Armor wall system consists of carbon fiber strips that are adhered to the wall using a high-strength epoxy. Once installed, the Carbon Armor Wall System adds strength and stability to the foundation wall, reducing the risk of further damage. While the WaterGuard Drainage System is installed along the perimeter of the basement floor and is connected to the sump pump, ensuring that any water is promptly and efficiently removed from the basement, preventing mold from building up. Not only did the systems eliminate the mold and musty odors in the basement, but they also provided this family with peace of mind, knowing that their basement was now stronger and more secure. These two systems worked together to prevent further damage, protect the structural integrity of the home, and improve the overall health and safety of their living environment.

When the sidewalk of a prominent church in Ann Arbor, MI sank nearly 2 inches, it posed a significant problem that required immediate attention. The elderly were constantly tripping over the unlevel sidewalk and parents had to make sure their kids watched their step. Finally realizing it was time to address this problem, the property manager decided it was time for a fix. Reaching out to local concrete repair companies, they came across us and selected us as the best fit for the project.    After carefully evaluating the sinking slab, our Project Manager determined that instead of re-paving the sidewalk, the PolyLevel injection and NexusPro Crack Repair would solve the problem they were facing and provide a long lasting and eco-friendly solution. PolyLevel, a polyurethane foam, serves as a high-density lifting agent that can raise and level uneven concrete slabs. Nexus Pro serves as a binding agent to seal the cracks in the sidewalk.    Our crew prepared the area by clearing any debris or loose material to ensure proper adhesion between the foam and the existing concrete surface. Then, small, strategically placed holes were drilled into the sinking slab. Through these holes, they injected the PolyLevel foam beneath the surface. The foam expanded, exerting enough pressure to lift the slab to its original position. As the PolyLevel foam expanded, they made sure to monitor the process carefully, ensuring that the slab was lifted uniformly and leveled with the adjacent concrete. They did this by placing electronic levels on the adjacent slabs and constantly checking them to make sure it was raised to the appropriate height. Next, our crew applied the NexusPro Crack Repair, a flexible and weather-resistant sealant, to effectively seal the concrete cracks. Before applying the NexusPro, they thoroughly cleaned the cracks and removed any dirt, debris. This step ensured proper adhesion and a durable repair. This product is designed to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, minimizing the chances of future cracks in the church’s sidewalk.   Our comprehensive solution to this church’s sidewalk problem delivered lasting results that surpassed the church's expectations, reinforcing our commitment to providing exceptional services. Overall the churchgoers were able to experience a notable shift in the sidewalk and were pleased to have the slabs returned to a level safe for everyone.