Dishonest Waterproofing Company

bobbasaur asks,

I’m selling my house. The buyer had a mold remediation specialist in to check for mold. They are also a waterproofing company. We subsequently got slapped with a report that stated we had an ongoing water problem in basement, and that a full french drain system is needed (we already have a french drain leading to a sump pump – no mold found btw, and the original inspection said the basement was dry). I will be speaking with the waterproofing company soon. What questions can I ask to make sure the company clearly articulates the issue and reason for suggested remediation?

Our Answer

This scenario has conflict of interest written all over it! First off, you are dealing with one of the most disreputable groups of contractors in the remodeling industry. Waterproofing company contractors ALWAYS recommend expensive solutions to <a href="https://www.moneypit.com/flooding-dampness/basement-waterproofing-tips-0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">wet basement problems that are almost always easily fixed with simple improvements to grading and gutter drainage</a>. And they do so by panic peddling an expensive solution, that is almost never needed. They’ll tell you your home will essentially collapse underfoot unless your get out your checkbook — and fast. 
More recently, this slippery sub-section of the home improvement industry have also declared themselves "mold experts" which is rarely the case. If pressed, I’d be shocked if they could produce any credible example of a certification, license, or degree that would truly qualify them as mold remediation experts.
In your case, it’s even worse since it sounds very much like they are declaring a problem where none may exist. Plus, the solution they suggest is already installed!
My recommendation is to push back – hard – with the buyer. Let them know sending a contractor with a clear conflict-of-interest to proclaim a problem that will enrich their pockets isn’t going to fly, especially when the very solution they recommend is already installed and where their own home inspector reported the basement as dry. Tell them if they want to send in a State licensed structural engineer to do a proper inspection and submit a report signed and sealed by that engineer, you’ll consider your options. But otherwise, I’d refuse to do anything and find another buyer.