Waterproof Foundation from the Outside

I just recieved a quote to waterproof my cellar from the outside.  We determined the main factor for water entering the basement was from the backyard.  The entire yard is a wooden deck with dirt below.  The contractor said the water is going down into the dirt and seeping through the backwall foundation.  Side note (this property’s cellar was dug an additional 3 feet about 8 years ago).  The contractor noted that the foundation wall where they began digging was not properly sealed.  He said he will have to dig to the floor of the cellar from the outside to seal the foundation.  He just provided me a quote to do the following: 1\. Remove all sheetrock on the wall in the entire basement exterior walls area. 2. Remove old wooden planks up to 12’ from the back of the property. 3\.  Remove dirt back of the property all the way to the footing. 4\.  Complete 2 coats of masonry stucco with waterproofing cement mixture. 5\.  Complete waterproofing on entire foundation wall with torch rubber membrane 6\.  Make one stair case opening for new door opening to enternace to the back of the property 7\.  Build new entry steps as per required. 8\.  Complete required block work as per required. 9\.  Complete waterproofing with cement masonry stucco. 10\.  Install one standard entry metal door. 11\.  Complete two coats of masonry stucco with installation of wire mesh on entire foundation wall. 12\.  Fill all the cracks 13\.  Complete waterproofing with thorro coat as per required. 14\.  Remove all debris from work area. 15\.  Pour concrete slab in the entire non plank area where we remove wooden plank after doing back fill. He also stated “No warrantee on the concrete work damage by winter weather and calcium or salt”.  The final quote was approximately 15k. Does this sound reasonable?  What questions should I be asking?  Will we need permits?
Thank you.

guikazoid

in Foundation 13 years and 7 months ago

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King Kong | 13 years and 6 months ago

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Guikazoid, can you email me at mikehiggins8@gmail.com?  Curious to hear who you worked with and how it all worked out. thanks.

Colonel | 13 years and 7 months ago

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Joe at A&J Contracting is an expert on french drains and drainage issues.  He’s a Carroll Gardens old timer and very honest.  516-509-1929.

Townie | 13 years and 7 months ago

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http://cdn.brownstoner.com/4e78e09ccf785-processed-trench_safety.jpg

guikazoid | 13 years and 7 months ago

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We recieved a quote for a french drain system and it was about 12k.  I liked the idea of digging because it would also solve my problem of getting air circulating down there.  There are no windows or vents down there.  It would also prevent future mold from building up.  Anything you’d recommend I tell this contractor in order to address the hydrostatic pressure?

Arkady | 13 years and 7 months ago

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I’d put in a french drain first.  Hydrostatic pressure isn’t easy to deal w/ which is why he won’t give you a guarantee.  A french drain is cheaper, usually effective & helpful if you do go ahead w/ the bigger project.