Ameri-Dry Waterproofing

Had difficulty nailing down date for crew to come out and install new sump pump & trench. Once we nailed it down, they arrived at said date of service and did the work quickly, efficiently, and professionally. However, they left a lot of dust and smeared mud on the floor of our basement. It took almost 4 hours to fully mop everything up and wipe everything down.

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I do have a problem having people come into my house and do work because i normally do most of my own work. But this company was very polite and very professional and the quality of their work stands for themselves. their sales rep treated me like an intelligent individual unlike any other companies. the crew was very polite, cleaned up after themselves, friendly and even picked up their cigarettes butts which i appreciate because i am a non smoker. it's been a year and i have had no leaks even during heavy rain and i am very happy with the work.

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The installation was a long uncomfortable day for everyonel, but the results were wonderful!  <br /> They showed up on time but I had to loan them my drop cloth for the hallway.  The sales rep had said they'd block off the rest of the house from dust and that was not the case.  There was no escape from the noise of jackhammers and even two floor levels away things shook.  Partway through, we noticed that the ground floor above the basement was looking cloudy and we asked if there was a way to prevent the dust from continuing to move up the stairs.  They used our plastic sheets to tape off the doorways to dining room and living room, but by then it was really too late.  By the time they were done, and the dust had settled(literally, in this case) there was a grey film on every surface of the ground floor from gritty apples on kitchen counter tops to every nook and cranny of our window sills and mantles of the living room.  Baseboards, knickknacks, picture frames, light switches, fan blades, tops of my new kitchen appliances. <br /> When I complained the next day to the company, they reduced our price to cover a housekeeping fee, but we still had a lot of work to do ourselves to set things right with all the dust, and my time was worth way beyond the cleaning fee.  My antique dining chairs needed to be vacuumed, wiped, and dusted and will probably always have a bit more grey to the padded seats than before.  I probably should have hired a professional and let them send a bill to Ameri-dry.  <br /> The workers themselves were many.  They were polite, and very hardworking.  The stairway was not very easy to navigate leading down to the basement and they had to carry huge buckets of gravel in and then haul the cement chunks back out.  This took most of a day and if the noise was a hassle to us, it must have been  unbearable to them.  I didn't see that they wore hearing protection, so I wonder how well the company takes care of their workers.  <br /> They hired an outside carpenter to replace the steps the following day.  He slid a board down from the top of the stairs which punctured the wall liner in one spot.  It's fortunate that it is conveniently hidden by the steps, but I know it's there and I was disappointed that they would be so careless. <br /> We've had a few tropical storms and absolutely NO basement flooding, we had one or two times that the sump pump needed to be jiggled to get going and I found pieces of drain pipe plastic from their construction had washed into the sump pump well, so maybe it won't stick again.  <br />

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I had Ameri-Dry Waterproofing come to my house to inspect a water problem we were having in our basement.  We found the inspector, Mike, to be very knowledgeable and very thorough in his inspection.  He explained everything to us and answered all of our question, which we had many.  At the end of the inspection we all sat down and went over our options.  We settled on the Ameri-Dry drain system and found the price to be fair.  The full warranty was the clincher for us.  They installed the system in less than a week and I must say the men were very courteous.  They worked very hard and finished the job in under two days.  The foreman, Tim, ran his crew very efficiently. Everyone had their job and they performed them to my full satisfaction.  Even though we had dust they cleaned up nicely. I highly recommend Ameri-Dry and would hire them again if I ever had the need. <br />

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It was excellent. They called me once or twice, but I put it off due to the weather. They found that everything was fine and nothing needed to be done.

It turned out okay. I had to call them back to look at some work they did -- there was some buckling of paint. They sent the owner of the company, which impressed me. They have good customer service. I anticipate that they'll follow through.

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Sadly our initial review has to be amended to FAIR due to the fact that our basement was not completely waterproofed by Ameri Dry. After explaining to our Ameri Dry representative that our basement was added after the home was built and several original outside walls were now "inside" walls, but we were told that these areas of our basement did not need to be waterproofed. We had 2 other written estimates and each estimate was for the entire perimeter of the basement. We asked the Ameri Dry representative several more times about waterproofing the remaining sections of basement and again and again we were told not to worry about having water in our basement ever again.... <br /> <br /> Unfortunately, we had water in our basement in the areas that were not waterproofed due to the fact that we trusted the expert company, Ameri Dry to come back to our home and complete the job how it should have been done in the first place and at no further charge to us. Why no charge to us - 1. We hired an expert company. 2. We asked more than several times about waterproofing the original walls. Ameri Dry is the expert, that's why they were hired. <br /> <br /> After several calls back & forth as well as a home visit by an Ameri Dry representative, I was told by JC that for under $700.00 (I cannot remember the $600 odd dollar amount) Ameri Dry will come fix the basement problem which is about 8 feet of space that should be waterproofed to tie into the sump pump. I told JC that we should not have to pay additional money to fix a problem that should never occurred. After going back and forth on the phone with the issue at hand not resolved to my satisfaction, the conversation ended. <br /> <br /> We did get 3 estimates, Ameri Dry was the most expensive (Ameri Dry did match B Dry's price) and choose Ameri Dry for the great initial communication. Our other 2 estimates (which were both less expensive) were for the entire perimeter of the basement. <br /> <br /> In hindsight more expensive isn't better and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND B DRY FOR YOUR HOME WATERPROOFING NEEDS. <br /> <br /> The Ameri Dry management was rated "C" but the employees are an "A" for their Quality, Responsiveness, Punctuality & Professionalism!

There was total miscommunication <br /> between the Inspector that came out to our home/gave us a quote and the <br /> actually people who came to do the job. The people who came to do the job did <br /> not talk to my husband or I regarding what was communicated to them. For <br /> example, they came out saying they would be working on a 8' by 12' area, but <br /> the paperwork we were given by the Inspector said it would be 8' by 13' area. <br /> The first time the drainage pipe was run, it was sent out of our basement <br /> straight out on the side of the house where the water drainage was already a <br /> problem. We told them that was not what we discussed and aesthetically we did <br /> not want a white PVC pipe sticking out of the side of the house less than 5 <br /> feet from where the water drainage was already and issue. This seemed like <br /> common sense to us. <br /> After numerous phone calls to the Inspector and conversation with the people <br /> who did the work, they re-routed the drainage pipe. However, the second time <br /> (again without discussing what they were going to do) they closed the hole on <br /> the side of the house and ran the drainage pipe up through the ceiling (7 feet <br /> in the air) and on top of the electrical box. When my husband and I saw this, <br /> we told them again this is not what we asked for nor was it what we were quoted <br /> for and a running a water pipe on top of our electrical box is totally <br /> unacceptable. This seemed like common sense to us. <br /> Again, after numerous phone calls to the Inspector and heated conversations <br /> with the people who did the work (one person actually told us he was being a <br /> "Nice guy" by running the drainage pipe in the ceiling, but since we <br /> were not happy with that "this conversation is over" after also <br /> complaining about having to go out to buy more PVC pipe.) , they re-routed the <br /> drainage pipe a third time. This time it was 90% they was we originally wanted <br /> it. Not 100% because 1) we did not want any more holes drill into our basement <br /> walls, so we re-used the hole from the second re-route, they left the brackets <br /> in the ceiling from the second re-route, drilled and did not repair a hole <br /> through a shelf they made for the second re-route and did not sweep up after <br /> the job was done. <br /> Then after the work was done, we were told that our sub-pump warranty would be <br /> voided because the way we told them to run the drainage piped added <br /> "head-pressure". My husband told them that was ridiculous and he did <br /> not agree to it, because the second re-route (that they did without discussing <br /> with us) actually added head pressure (because it sent the water 7 feet in the <br /> air and then 50 feet from the front of the house to the back of the house <br /> before the drainage came down from the ceiling and exited the basement. The way <br /> my husband and I wanted the drainage pipe run did not add head pressure. Then <br /> they recanted and said they would not void the warranty. <br /> In a nutshell, if you decide to go with this company, be there every step of <br /> the process and make sure they do exactly was agreed to from the beginning. <br /> <br /> Below is a subsequent letter sent to Ameri-Dry. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> "Barry Antonelli, President <br /> <br /> Ameri-Dry Systems of Baltimore, Inc. <br /> <br /> 11011 McCormick Road, Suite 500 <br /> <br /> Hunt Valley, MD 21031 <br /> <br />   <br /> <br /> Dear Mr. Antonelli, <br /> <br />                 On August 8, 2014, we met with Senior Inspector, Tom Dill from your company at our home to receive an estimate for installation of a waterproofing system.  During that initial meeting we specifically stated that we abated our home for Radon gas in August 2013 and we further asked if the installation of the waterproofing system would in any way adversely affect the Radon gas levels or cause additional Radon gas to enter our home. Tom Dill specifically told us during this meeting that the waterproofing system would not adversely affect the Radon gas levels in our home or cause additional Radon gas to enter our home.  His assurance that it would not have an adverse impact was part of the reason we decided to hire your company to perform the services.  <br /> <br />                 On August 11, 2014, we had a subsequent phone call with Senior Inspector, Tom Dill, in which we spoke in detail out the installation and sealing of the waterproofing system and were again assured the installation of the waterproofing system would not in any way adversely affect the Radon gas levels or cause additional Radon gas to enter our home. <br /> <br />                 On August 22, 2014, employees of your organization installed a waterproofing system. <br /> <br />                 On September 21, 2014, we conducted a Radon gas test in our home and it was found to be 3 times the level it was last year after having had the abatement in 2013. The 2013 Radon Gas level was 0.8 pCi/L and the 2014 Radon Gas level, after the installation of the Ameri-Dry waterproofing system, was 2.7 pCi/L. This re-test was conducted in an effort to confirm what we were told, which was that the installation of the waterproofing system would not in any way adversely affect the Radon gas <br /> levels or cause additional Radon gas to enter our home.  <br /> <br />                 Between September 21, 2014 and October 1, 2014, we had numerous phone calls and email exchanges with JC Remy of your company and he refused to take any responsibility for the increased levels of Radon Gas in our home or remediate the increased levels of Radon Gas in our home. <br /> <br />                 On October 3, 2014, the same Radon Gas Abatement Expert who installed the Radon gas abatement system in <br /> our home in August 2013, returned to seal the waterproofing system installed by Ameri-Dry. <br /> <br />                 On October 15, 2014, we conducted another Radon gas test in our home and it was found to be 1.3 pCi/L. Though higher than the 2013 Radon Gas Levels, after consulting with the Radon Gas Abatement Expert and a Maryland State Radon Officer, it was confirmed this level is in line with seasonal fluctuations. However, the previous 2.7 pCi/L Radon gas level can only be attributed to Ameri-Dry?s waterproofing system installation which required sections of the basement floor to be opened (and <br /> not adequately closed and sealed afterwards). <br /> <br />                 Senior Inspector, Tom Dill and your company misrepresented how the installation and sealing of the waterproofing system would affect the Radon gas levels in our home. We received evaluations from multiple waterproofing companies and had we been informed at any time of any chance the Radon gas levels in our home would in any way increase, as a result of the installation of the Ameri-Dry waterproofing system installation, we would NOT have chosen Ameri-Dry to install our waterproofing <br /> system.  <br /> <br />                 This is NOT simply about money, the increased levels of Radon gas in our home has put our family?s health and <br /> well-being in danger and we are simply seeking to be made whole and returned to the position we were in prior

<p>On 18 July 14, Mr. Doug Cherneski, from Ameri-Dry, came to my home on a scheduled visit to assess my foundation to see if it was in need of repair; however, before I continue with my experience with Mr. Cherneski allow me to explain how I came to finally meet him!</p> <p>In the month of November 2013, I was preparing for a seven month deployment to the Middle East in the month of December 2013.  I wanted to have my crawlspace thoroughly insulated to make my living room and kitchen area warmer for when family and friends for when they would come to visit and see me off for my deployment.  Initially I looked on the internet to try and find a provider that insulated crawlspaces and learned a lot about what crawlspaces certain companies would do work in (based upon the size of the crawlspace).  The majority of companies said my crawlspace was too small for them to come and do insulation.  Eventually, I came across JES Foundation Repair and they said that they could do the work on my crawlspace - needless to say I was pleased with their response.  While looking at their website I noticed their educational pages on actually signs of failing foundations.  I was experiencing some of the very signs they described, i.e. spider cracks along the door frames and windows of my home, etc.  Concerned about what I was reading I scheduled an appointment to have a representative come out to assess not only my crawlspace for insulation but also my foundation, too, for any major damage needing repair!</p> <p>I envisioned JES coming out and making a thorough check of the inside, outside, and underneath the crawlspace of my home; however, what I envisioned didn't come to fruition completely when JES sent out their representative Mr. Bart Butler.  I must admit, Mr. Butler was professional and very cordial; however, he was also very large (I'm not being superficial at all when I say that) and I knew from his size he would not be able to fit into my crawlspace to assess for any signs of damage!  Needless to say, I invited him into my home to hear what he had to say!</p> <p>He came in and used his tape measure to get an approximation of my crawlspace by utilizing my living room and kitchen floors.  Afterwards he gave me a quote of what it would cost.  Next, I requested his opinion regarding my cracks around my doors and windows.  He then said that I had clear visible signs of a failing foundation.  He then went outside and checked around the outside and expressed that my home leans forward in the front and backwards in the rear.  He did all of this without actually going into the crawlspace.  He then told me that I needed footers, etc. to make my home stable and balanced.  He gave me a quote of $11,000 to get the foundation worked on.  He also said that he would include the crawlspace insulation in the price if I signed for the work to be done with JES.  </p> <p>After he left, I talked it over with my mom and she expressed to hold off on getting any work done until I returned from my deployment then I would know for sure what I wanted to do and would have a chance to see if the insulation worked or not, since I'd be home the winter of 2014.  I'm grateful that I listened to her because when I returned I had to deal with a VERY EXPENSIVE vermin infestation that happened to my home while I was deployed!  </p> <p>After assessing the vermin damage, I decided to use Angie's List to search for alternative foundation repair specialist to get their opinion.  I made hard contact with Ameri-Dry and they sent Doug over to assess my crawlspace and foundation.</p> <p>He arrived on time and was courteous and professional!  Shortly after our introduction, he asked me why I called so he could get more detailed information, etc.  After that he asked to be taken to the crawlspace.  He then proceeded to unscrew my crawlspace screening and crawled through a curtain of spider webs without even flinching.  I was impressed because I don't like creepy crawlers or things associated with them like webs!  He proceeded to crawl all the way to the dry and dark recesses of my crawlspace - at this point, I could only hear his voice since his body was totally engulfed by the darkness - keep in mind this took place on 18 July when it was very HOT outside!  He stayed in the crawlspace for a considerable amount of time...I just knew the spiders had got him or that he succumbed to the darkness and heat!</p> <p>To my relief, he eventually came out covered in dirt, grime, and spider webs and just brushed it all off like it was nothing!  Then he said something to me that shocked me!  He said, "Sorry, Mr. Hall, I would sure like to do business with you but after looking around the outside of your home's foundation and underneath at your home's foundation I don't see anything wrong and can't find a reason to take any money from you",...,...,...,...,...,..., I was speechless, dazed, and confused for a minute because I was expecting to hear the worse and to get confirmation on what Mr. Butler had told me eight months ago!  </p> <p>Doug then walked with me back into my home where he began to educate me on what he saw by doing show-and-tell!  He showed me pictures of what a poor or weak foundation actually looks like and then described my foundation as being strong, solid, dry, and with no signs of failure!  He felt so comfortable with his findings that he proceeded to write a report on what he saw for my records...AWESOOOOOOOME!  </p> <p>He then began to talk to me about ways to save on insulating the crawlspace to make it warmer and even told me that Ameri-Dry insulates crawlspaces for dampness only and that he wouldn't try to insulate it because that wouldn't solve my cold floor issues - OMG, this GUY IS ACTUALLY VERY, VERY, HONEST AND DIDN'T HAVE A LOVE OF MONEY AT ALL!  He could have hustled me with insulating my crawlspace, but he actually refused...I tell you what...whenever I do have any future foundation issues or if I come across someone who does DOUG, FROM AMERI-DRY, WILL BE THE FIRST I REFER THEM TO!</p> <p>Eventually, I did experience a pipe that burst in my crawlspace a few weeks after Doug came to visit (because I didn't leave the valve opened while I was gone) and even the plumber, who actually went into the crawlspace to fix it, said, without me asking him, that I have a very solid and dry foundation that will last for years to come!  I then explained my first experience with JES and he said unfortunately a lot of unsuspecting homeowners get swindled because they don't know the difference between a bad home foundation or a home that is simply settling because of the weight of the house, etc.</p> <p>Guess what?  That was the same thing that Doug said (minus the swindling part)!  He said that my home was settling because the soil was adjusting to the new addition that was built a few years ago and because of the crazy 2013/2014 winter snow and rain it caused the soil to shift which caused settling!</p> <p>'m not going to say that Mr. Butler was trying to swindle me but his inability to access my crawlspace and get dirty and actually see the foundation caused me to reevaluated his motives.  I will say no more than that!</p> <p>However, what I can say for sure is that Mr. Doug Cherneski, from Ameri-Dry has earned my review and I will refer them to anyone who ask!</p> <p><br /></p> <p>Thanks, Doug, and thanks, Angie's List, for everything!</p> <p>Respectfully,</p> <p>Cassel Hall</p> <br />

It went great <br />

The appraiser showed up on time. The works were scheduled to meet our needs. The works were completed on time, professionally and very clean <br />

Well it has now been a year  and not a drop of water in our basement.  Even after record rains in June 2015.  Thank you for the complete peace of mind.  And we are excited that the project will add value to our home when we go to sell.

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Everything went great!  From the first phone call to their office, to scheduling to the actual work, the people at AmeriDry were impressive, organized and curious. On the day of the job, the crew was on time, provisional and super thorough. The pump required a drain through the wall of the house.  They did it in a way that was not obtrusiveness to the ascetics of the house at all. It was also much faster to finish the job than I anticipated. When they left, the area of the basement where they worked was clean and neat.  I got several quotes for doing this and I'm very happy with the results we got with AmeriDry. I highly recommend them.

The team assigned to the job was excellent..  They arrived on time worked efficiently and were done in the time they quoted.  They disconnected major appliances and replaced all of the connections. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Upon receiving the quote I was told that I was charged to move and replace heavy furniture.  The installation team moved the heavy furniture but did not replace it.  They told me that once the work was completed the concrete was too wet to replace the furniture and they would not be returning.  I contacted the office only to be told that the estimator that I signed the contract with a few weeks prior was no longer with the company and that since it was the Friday before the holiday no one was left in the office.  I was assured that I would be contacted the following week to schedule to have someone come out and replace all of the moved heavy furniture after the office administrator checked the work order and verified that I did in fact get charged for moving and replacing the furniture.  <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />It is now nearly a month since the work was completed and I have not been contacted by the company to have the items replaced.  Very poor follow up for a company that wants both positive reviews and referrals.  I will contact them again to schedule someone to come and return my furniture to its rightful location but I am hesitant to recommend them as the follow through is not very good which in my mind means the job was not completed.

Everything  went great. <br />