Job Stories

A Sterling Heights, Mi homeowner had a leak from an unknown source causing regular wet basement problems. The idea of coming home constantly to water in the basement, is understandably upsetting. Try as he might, he just couldn't find the cause of the leak. He reached out to HomeSpec for help understanding his situation.   Ben Gabowitz was happy to hear out all of his concerns and conduct a thorough inspection into the cause. After removing a small amount of dry wall and running a small experiment, where he let a hose run outside for a few minutes, Ben noticed that water was flowing out from behind a stud. From there it was simple for Ben to find the rod holes causing the problem.   Rod holes are formed 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.   The homeowner was a bit of a handyman himself, so Ben was happy to sit down and explain in detail how best to address the situation within his own personal means.   The homeowner was struck by Ben's authenticity in handling his problem of having his basement crack and rod holes leaking water behind the walls, that he would go on to review:     “I never wrote a review before but today I felt like I had to. We had a water leak in our basement that we couldn't find where it was coming from. Ben Gabowitz came just to evaluate the situation. Not only did he find the leak, he explained how to fix it and took the time to make sure I was satisfied. He was very professional, friendly, knowledgeable and honest. I am definitely keeping his card for any future problems and will be giving his name to friends and family.”

  A longtime homeowner in Sterling Heights, Mi, had been left incredibly frustrated by what they thought were 2 cracks they sealed themselves last year, which have since turned into 3 leaking cracks. The basement water damage had devastated their carpet over time, to the point it was affecting their air quality and general health.   Looking for a reliable basement crack repair contractor near Sterling Heights to properly handle the problem once and for all. Dave, met with the homeowner and examined the previous cracks as well as the newly formed one. During his home inspection process, Dave discovered that the water leaking into the basement wasn't just caused by the cracks, but also to a couple of rod holes at a different end of the basement. Our crew got to work addressing the known cracks first. These 3 cracks were filled with a high-pressure urethane crack injection, and a carbon fiber power grid was installed in slits along the cracks to ensure they wouldn't continue to spread in the future. Next, our crew tended to the discovered leaking rod holes by first plugging the holes using hydrophobic polyurethane grout, a material that would expand and repel water. The holes were then filled with a special water stop foam injection before another application of the grout was used to ensure an air-tight seal. The entire job was neatly finished and cleaned to ensure a visually appealing repair job.   However, the job didn’t stop there. We needed to ensure the family’s long-term well-being and comfort. So, after a discussion and explaining the benefits of a basement humidifier with the homeowner, our crew finished by installing the Sanidry-Sedona basement humidifier. An incredibly powerful resource for any home and compact enough to double as a crawl space humidifier if needed. With high energy efficiency and automatic drainage, this was a set-it-and-forget-it solution that brought peace of mind to the homeowner, who was ecstatic to quickly see the health benefits.

A homeowner in Sterling Heights, MI had noticed that a large puddle in their basement was not draining. This concerned them about the potential damage this would cause to their property, and their belongings they had been storing in the basement. After some contemplation and research, they decided to seek the assistance of HomeSpec BasementFix. The first thing we did was assign a Project manager to assess the property and maintain open contact with the homeowner to discuss their concerns. When the time came for the free inspection, our Project Manager found that the current sump pump in the basement was allowing water to leak into the space, which was causing the pooling that the homeowner had noticed. The Project Manager recommended installing the TripleSafe Sump Pump, a high-quality and reliable sump pump system that is specifically designed to handle high water volume and prevent basements from flooding. The TripleSafe Sump Pump system is equipped with three pumps, which provide multiple layers of protection against water intrusion. The first pump is designed to handle normal levels of water, while the second pump kicks in if the first pump fails or cannot keep up with the volume of water. The third pump is a battery backup system that provides an additional layer of protection in the event of a power outage. After the Project Manager explained the capabilities of the TripleSafe Sump Pump system to the homeowner, emphasizing how it would help drain the water away and prevent further damage to the walls and belongings in the basement, This homeowner was ready to set a date for installation. Once our crew was dispatched to the homeowner's property to install the TripleSafe Sump Pump system, they began by digging a hole in the basement floor to create a sump pit, which would house the pump. Then, they installed the TripleSafe Sump Pump system, which included a primary pump, a secondary pump, and a battery backup system. Our crew ensured that the system was installed correctly, with all necessary piping and electrical connections in place to provide this homeowner with the peace of mind they needed. They also tested the system to ensure that it was functioning correctly and that the water was being properly drained away from the property. Once the installation was complete, our crew cleaned up the area and left the basement looking better than it had before. The homeowner was thankful for the quick work and happy to have finally found a solution to the water leaking in their basement.

A Family in Sterling Heights, MI was looking to create a safe and healthy environment for the children in their home. However, there was one persistent issue that continued to worry them immensely- water seeping in through the basement walls. Their main concern was the potential for mold growth due to the constant water flow creating a damp environment. They wanted their children to grow up in a healthy environment, and the thought of leaving behind a home that could foster mold-related health risks troubled them. To make matters worse,​​ they also felt a sense of disappointment and frustration towards the builders who constructed their home, as they believed the builders had neglected taking proper waterproofing measures to ensure their safety. After extensive research and reading numerous positive reviews, they contacted us to help solve their basement waterproofing needs.   Upon scheduling the appointment, we sent a Project Manager with experience in basement waterproofing to assess the situation and propose a custom solution tailored to the homeowners needs. He understood the family’s concerns and explained that the potential consequences of leaving the issue unaddressed could lead to more trouble down the line. To tackle the water infiltration at the source, he recommended the WaterGuard Drainage System. Next, he turned his attention to the basement walls, where he recommended the EverLast Wall Restoration and the CleanSpace Wall. Finally, to complete the basement waterproofing project he recommended they install the SaniDry XP.    With this plan in place, our crew began their work. To install the WaterGuard System, they excavated a narrow trench along the perimeter of the basement, this allowed the WaterGuard pipes to fit flush with the wall and sit on top of the foundation footing. They also made sure to dig the trench at a slope so the water would naturally flow towards the sump pump. Next came the installation of the basement wall systems, The EverLast is designed to restore the walls by covering the existing damage and the CleanSpace is installed over it to create a vapor barrier that prevents moisture from entering the space and thereby reducing the risk of mold growth. Finally to address the air quality and add an extra layer of protection against mold, our crew installed the SaniDry XP. This dehumidifier would ensure the family’s basement remains dry and the air was at an optimum humidity level.    Upon completion of the project, the homeowner was happy to have taken a proactive step towards securing a healthy future for their children. This project had not only restored their peace of mind, but it solved their immediate concerns and also laid the foundation for a worry-free future

A family recently moved into a new home in Sterling Heights, Mi. Over the coming months, they had begun multiple renovations on the property to the best of their ability. One issue that they weren’t fully sure how to fix was the crack along the foundation floor, and the additional cracks spreading from the ground up towards the ceiling. They were due to have a glass door put in, but grew worried about how more installations could possibly affect the current damage. Understanding this was a foundation repair issue, they began searching for the best foundation repair contractor nearby. A family friend who had recent work done by us, referred them to HomeSpec Basementfix as their foundation support specialist of choice.Once an appointment was set with the homeowners, a qualified project manager was sent out to the property. Elon, one of our foundation repair specialists, took a look at the crack in the wall and came to the conclusion that they would need immediate repair in order to prevent the crack from spreading and causing excess damage. While completing his detailed investigation of the property, Elon found a crack in the floor that may have resulted from the foundation shifting and causing damage to the floors and living space. While the homeowners expressed concern about the age of the home, Elon reassured them that this repair would restore structural integrity and put their fears to rest. Due to the groundwater present around the foundation of the home, even the smallest crack can cause a larger one to develop. If a larger crack develops in the wall, groundwater is likely to seep in and cause water damage on top of the current issues. The first step in providing a solution to the couple's problem would be to fill the cracks with high pressure urethane crack injection and having the crack-filled and carbon plates which prevent the crack from spreading be placed. This high pressure urethane crack injection ensures that no water leaks in through the crack. The next step in the process would be to insert a helical pier repair system. Helical Piers extend through the soil in order to reach a stable Foundation. The weight of the old Foundation is then transferred to the helical Pier by utilizing steel brackets which are affixed to the home. This successfully levels out the living space and ensures the structural integrity of the walls and the foundation remain intact. With the needs of the homeowners met and the repair successfully completed, our crew received wonderful reviews about their professionalism, cleanliness and timeliness. Homespec prides itself in providing a solution that will last a lifetime with quality products and quality service. 

A family in Shelby Township, MI was facing a major problem that affected their health and was causing them stress for some time. Their crawl space had a persistent mold problem that was causing allergies and respiratory issues. To make matters worse, the foundation was sinking, which was causing cracks in the walls and floor of the home. These homeowners were at their wit's end and didn't know what to do, so they reached out to HomeSpec BasementFix for help.  Once our Project Manager had arrived at the home and had noted during his detailed inspection that the mold problem in the crawl space was due to high humidity levels and poor ventilation and the sinking foundation, on the other hand, was due to poor soil conditions and lack of proper support. To solve these problems, our Project Manager recommended a two-step approach. First, our crew would use the Helical Pier Support System to raise the foundation and stabilize the structure of the home, then they would encapsulate the crawl space using the CleanSpace System and the SaniDry Sedona Dehumidifier.  The first step in this project was to install the helical pier support posts. This involved installing steel piers into deeper, load bearing soil to provide a strong and permanent support for the foundation. Next, our crew would encapsulate the crawl space with the CleanSpace Encapsulation Liner. CleanSpace is a heavy-duty liner that would be installed on the floor and walls of the crawl space to prevent moisture and mold from entering the space. Lastly, the SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier would be installed to control the humidity levels and ensure a dry and healthy environment. Once our crew had completed the job, the crawl space was clean and dry, and there was no more mold or dampness. The foundation had been raised and stabilized, and there were no more cracks in the walls and floors. This family was overjoyed and grateful for the work our crew had done. They were finally able to breathe easy and live in the home without fear of the mold affecting their health. The Helical Pier Support System and CleanSpace encapsulation had transformed this home, making it a safe and healthy place for the family.

This homeowner in Shelby Township, MI had just gotten the idea to make some renovations to their home. However, before they could begin the process they needed to address the sagging floors in the living room and bedrooms. After having a few contractors take a look, they found out that the support posts in the crawl space were damaged, causing the floors to settle and sag. They were getting increasingly worried that the problem would only get worse, and didn't know how to fix it. That's when they heard about HomeSpec BasementFix and reached out to us for a solution. A Project Manager, who had experience in crawl space repair, was sent to the house to assess the crawl space and propose a solution. During the inspection, the Project Manager noted how the support posts were damaged and needed to be replaced. They explained to the homeowner the many benefits of installing the SmartJack Support System and how it would provide a permanent solution to their sagging floors. He also recommended the crawl space be encapsulated with the CleanSpace System as well as the SaniDry Sedona Dehumidifier to prevent any further damage to the area and ensure long lasting support for the support jacks. When the Project manager and the homeowner agreed on a date for the repair, the next step was to send out our crew of skilled technicians. They first removed the damaged support posts and installed the SmartJack Support System in its place. The SmartJack system is designed to be easily adjustable, so our crew was able to precisely level the floor joists and provide the necessary support. They also encapsulated the crawl space with CleanSpace, a vapor barrier that would keep out moisture and reduce the risk of mold growth. Finally, the crew would install the SaniDry Sedona, a high-performance dehumidifier, to further protect this homeowner's crawl space. The SaniDry Sedona would keep the air in the crawl space dry, reducing the risk of mold and other moisture-related problems. After the project was completed, the homeowner immediately noticed the floors were level and no longer sagged. They were also impressed with the clean and well-sealed crawl space, which was now protected from moisture and other environmental problems.

A homeowner who lived in Shelby Township, MI had big plans for a house flip. Eager to complete the renovations and move to a warmer climate, they had been diligently working on the property before putting it up for sale. However, during the renovation process, they noticed a concerning issue in the basement—a wall that was bowing inward. Recognizing the importance of addressing this problem with a professional, they contacted us for the project.   When the homeowner reached out to us, they explained that despite the bowing wall, they had not experienced any water intrusion in the basement. Additionally, the homeowner mentioned that they had previously installed French drains in the backyard to divert water away from the house. While this measure helped prevent water from entering the basement, it did not address the structural issue causing the bowing wall.   Based on a thorough assessment of the basement, our Project Manager recommended they have us install the PowerBrace Load-Bearing System.   The PowerBrace system is designed to stabilize and potentially straighten bowing or buckling basement walls. It's made of strong steel I-beams that are installed vertically along the affected wall, anchoring the basement floor to the floor joists above. These beams provide structural support and help prevent further inward movement of the wall. With each beam in place, our crew made sure to tighten them gradually to provide enough support and correct the bowing.   With this essential improvement in place, the homeowner could confidently proceed with their house flip, knowing that whoever bought the house after them would enjoy a secure basement.

A homeowner contacted us after he found two cracks while doing work in his basement. Our team also discovered another crack that needed to be repaired. We injected the three cracks with polyurethane and installed power grids on a wall to prevent future movement. 

One summer, this Romeo, Michigan homeowner felt that his home was more humid than normal. His air conditioner was working overtime trying to cool the sticky, dense air. One day he went into his crawl space for something, and witnessed a scene that shocked him - condensation had formed over all of the surfaces. It was extremely musty and wet.  The homeowner was surprised because he thought having opening vents in his crawl space would allow air to pass through freely and keep it dry - but it did the exact opposite. This is a very common misconception. When the humid air enters the crawl space, it cools and deposits moisture. That’s when you find condensation - and eventually mold. Our crawl space expert explained this to the homeowner after completing the inspection. The homeowner decided to have his crawl space encapsulated and a dehumidifier installed to solve this problem. The vapor barrier sealed the entire area and blocked water vapor from entering. Our powerful dehumidifier controlled the moisture in the air. The homeowner felt an immediate difference in the air quality of the home above. He was so glad he called HomeSpec!