I previously used ABS to install drain pots for my downspouts as part of a plan to dry up my basement. Then they installed a commercial sized dehumidifier. I had been running at least 2 dehumidifiers before and they were barely up to the job. At one point I used an in room air conditioner to dry the basement air. All this was due to a crawlspace connected to the basement that was not correctly sealed. I had closed it up years ago and insulated with fiberglass. There was a plastic sheet covering the ground and it was glued to the foundation block, but it was too thin, not really sealed and after crawling around on it to do repairs and install lines, it was allowing a lot of ground moisture and odor to get into the basement. <br /> We put off doing a proper crawlspace repair because of the cost and inconvenience. After updating our kitchen we got tired of the battle of the basement and decided to tackle the back room/basement/crawlspace problem. First the change from having a real dehumidifier, was kind of amazing. No continuous running, as with the small home units, and it cleared up a lot of the odor and moisture the first day. <br /> I had intentions of digging out the dirt myself and even cut up a large section of the floor. I didn't even remove one bucket before I realized some jobs are best left to groups of younger men with all the tools. A lot of small roots, hard dirt and climbing in and out of the space between floor joists. Brendan and 2 helpers had it cut up and carted away in one day. It was the old type of tiles that either had asbestos in the tiles or the adhesive, not a job for an unskilled, unprepared homeowner. <br /> Because the ground in the crawlspace was uneven, ABS ended up removing about a foot of dirt to give clearance to all parts of the space. Unfortunately for them there were a lot of roots and rocks, so even with room to stand after the floor was removed, it was really hard work. On that day I think there were about 6 men working. Some digging, loading and one or two carting wheelbarrows of dirt all around to the low spots in our yard. Maybe 3+ tons by the time they were done, but probably seemed like a whole lot more to them. Hard, dirty, work, but they did it all and removed a course of block from the crawlspace entrance that goes into the basement. <br /> After the space was leveled they pinned pink, rigid insulation around the exterior walls and foamed insulation onto the irregular areas above and over the old vent window. This was covered by a super thick, ripstop, cover that went over the insulation and covered the floor. That was glued to the lower edge of the crawlspace entrance sealing the dirt/ground once and for all. <br /> We avoided this project for years. You adapt to things and you ignore things out of sight, but we already enjoy the results. Space for storage, a cleaner, dry, basement, no musty odors on a humid day and a new solid floor. The old sub-floor was 'soft' in well trafficked areas. Tim explained all this, but I wanted an easier, less costly way. I eventually realized you don't really save any money in the long run and you don't solve the problems unless you fix them. ABS had the experience, equipment and people to solve this problem. They showed up on time, worked hard and smart, cleaned up after and did the kind of job I wanted to do. You can't beat experience and it seems like everyone knew their job and most importantly took pride in their job. I'm impressed by each of them. Lots of people could move a wheelbarrow of dirt, but very few could do it all day, put the dirt where you want it and be happy doing a hard job. Some people know how to foam insulation or prepare a floor or a wall, but few do the kind of job they would be proud to show. Many would be tempted to cut a corner here or there, to get out of the job as quickly as possible. I didn't see that on this project. We are happy and can't think of many things we would change, except to do all this years earlier instead of waiting till now. <br /> <br /> <br />