If you’re a homeowner struggling with a wet basement, you may be looking into waterproofing solutions. Two popular basement waterproofing companies in the area are John’s Waterproofing and TerraFirma.
But with so many products and services to choose from, how do you decide which contractor is the best fit for your home?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at John’s Waterproofing and TerraFirma to highlight the pros and cons of each company. You’ll learn about their waterproofing approach, products and services offered, warranties, and what other homeowners have to say.
With the right information, you can make an informed decision on the best basement waterproofer for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | John’s Waterproofing | TerraFirma |
| Approach | Full-perimeter waterproofing | Interior water control |
| Methods Used | Interior & exterior membranes, drainage tile, sump pumps | Interior French drains, sump pumps |
| Excavation Required | Yes, exterior foundation walls | No, interior work only |
| Cost | $10,000+ for average basement | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Services Offered | Waterproofing, drainage, crack repair, mold remediation | Drainage, sump pumps, crack repair, mold remediation |
| Ideal For | Significant flooding | Minor dampness & leaks |
| Warranty | Transferable lifetime warranty | Transferable lifetime warranty (terms vary) |
| Provider | Local company | National franchise network |
| Satisfaction Rating | A+ with BBB | A+ with BBB |
John’s Waterproofing Overview
John’s Waterproofing is a local, family-owned company that has been serving the area for over 30 years. They have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and offer 24/7 emergency waterproofing services.
John’s takes a full-perimeter waterproofing approach focused on keeping water out of the basement. They use an interior and exterior waterproofing membrane, drainage tiles, and sump pumps to manage water flow. Some of the key products and services John’s offers include:
- Interior french drain and sump pump installation
- Exterior excavation waterproofing
- Mold remediation and encapsulation
- Crack repairs
- Foundation wall reinforcement
- Lifetime transferable warranty
John’s provides free, on-site estimates and specializes in fixing wet basements permanently. They have a large service area and work on residential and commercial buildings.
John’s Waterproofing Pros
There are many advantages to choosing John’s Waterproofing for your basement water issues:
- Experienced contractors: With over 30 years of service, John’s contractors are waterproofing experts dedicated to long-lasting solutions. They have a systematic approach tailored to your home’s needs.
- Transferable lifetime warranty: John’s offers a transferable lifetime warranty on perimeter waterproofing installations for the entire time you own your home. This provides peace of mind that the work is guaranteed.
- Full-perimeter waterproofing: John’s waterproofing system is designed to keep the entire basement dry by addressing interior and exterior water issues. This full-perimeter approach provides more comprehensive protection.
- Variety of services: From drain tile and sump pumps to crack repairs and mold removal, John’s offers all the waterproofing and foundation services a home might need. Their one-stop-shop model makes fixing a wet basement easier.
- Free estimates: John’s provides free estimates on-site so you can get professional advice about your basement’s problems without any upfront costs. This makes it easy to get information to make a decision.
- Available for emergencies: With 24/7 emergency waterproofing services, John’s can promptly resolve burst pipes, floods, and storm damage even after hours for fast water removal.
John’s Waterproofing Cons
While John’s Waterproofing has many advantages, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
- Higher cost: As a full-service contractor, John’s comprehensive waterproofing solutions come at a higher price point than basic DIY kits. For larger projects, prepare for significant costs.
- Extensive exterior excavation: John’s exterior waterproofing requires digging along the exterior foundation walls. This is disruptive to landscaping.
- Not ideal for simple leaks: If you just have minor dampness or a small crack leak, John’s extensive process may be overkill. Their services are better suited for major flooding issues.
- Longer timeframe: Due to the amount of work involved, John’s waterproofing solutions often take several days to install. This means longer disruptions to your home.
- Limited service area: While John’s serves a large area, they may not work in all outskirts and rural locations. Be sure to confirm they operate in your region.
TerraFirma Waterproofing Overview
TerraFirma is another top option, serving as a nationwide franchise of basement waterproofing contractors. They take an interior-focused water control approach based on French drains. Some key products and services TerraFirma provides include:
- Interior basement drain systems
- Sump pump installation
- Crack injection repairs
- Mold remediation
- Foundation repair
- Transferable lifetime warranty
TerraFirma conducts free inspections and estimates, and specializes in interior French drain installation. They focus heavily on sump pump systems to control water flow.
TerraFirma Waterproofing Pros
Some of the biggest advantages of TerraFirma Waterproofing include:
- Specialized in French drains: TerraFirma contractors are experts in interior French drain installation and optimization for maximum water drainage.
- Sump pumps included: TerraFirma always pairs French drains with high-quality sump pump systems for the best water management. Sump pumps are key to drainage.
- Less invasive installations: As an interior drain system, TerraFirma does not require digging along the foundation walls, minimizing exterior disruption.
- Quick installation: French drain systems can typically be installed in 1 to 2 days, allowing for a faster project completion.
- Mold remediation: TerraFirma offers professional mold inspection and remediation using industry leading products to create a healthier basement environment.
- Nationwide contractors: With authorized contractors throughout the U.S., TerraFirma likely services your local area. This widespread availability provides convenience.
- A+ BBB rating: Like John’s, TerraFirma also maintains an excellent A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau across its franchise network.
TerraFirma Waterproofing Cons
However, there are a few drawbacks to TerraFirma’s approach that are important to note:
- Focus on water control, not prevention: French drains move water away but don’t completely waterproof foundations. Moisture and leaks may persist in rainy conditions.
- Not a full-perimeter solution: Without exterior waterproofing, leaks can still occur through foundation walls and floors. The internal drain system has limitations.
- Potential for sump pump failure: Reliance on sump pumps means drain systems can fail if the power or pump goes out. Backup pumps are recommended.
- DIY alternatives available: Interior French drains are one of the more DIY-friendly waterproofing options. Professional installation may not be necessary for every home.
- Not qualified for major flooding: TerraFirma’s water control approach may not be sufficient for homes with substantial flooding or groundwater issues.
- Variable warranty policies: While TerraFirma offers lifetime warranties, coverage specifics can vary locally depending on the authorized contractor. Review warranty terms closely.
Key Differences Between John’s And TerraFirma Basement Waterproofing
When comparing John’s Waterproofing and TerraFirma side-by-side, the biggest differences come down to:
- Waterproofing vs water control: John’s emphasizes true waterproofing through exterior membranes while TerraFirma is focused on interior water drainage.
- Comprehensive vs localized solution: John’s offers full-perimeter protection while TerraFirma targets specific problem areas, especially foundations.
- Exterior excavation required or not: John’s involves digging and disrupting landscaping while TerraFirma does not require exterior excavation in most cases.
- Variety of services vs drain expertise: John’s provides more waterproofing and foundation repair services while TerraFirma specializes specifically in French drain installation.
- Great for major flooding vs minor dampness: John’s is equipped for large flooding events while TerraFirma can handle small leaks and humidity.
- Higher investment vs lower cost: John’s has greater upfront costs for a robust system while TerraFirma is generally more budget-friendly.
Understanding these contrasts allows you to select the contractor that aligns with your specific basement waterproofing needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
When deciding between John’s Waterproofing and TerraFirma, here are some important factors to keep in mind:
- Type of Water Problem
Think about whether you have seepage, small leaks, high groundwater levels, occasional flooding, or severe water damage.
John’s full waterproofing is great for substantial flooding while TerraFirma can manage minor dampness.
Choose the solution that matches the scale of your issues.
- Interior Vs. Exterior Fix
If you have water coming through walls and floors, John’s exterior excavation techniques may be required. For internal foundation leaks or humidity, TerraFirma’s interior French drain methods may suffice. Assess where the problems originate.
- Foundation Type
TerraFirma mostly works with poured concrete foundations. John’s can accommodate concrete block, stone, and other foundation types by tailoring the waterproofing approach. Know your foundation material before choosing a contractor.
- Cost Considerations
John’s comprehensive waterproofing runs $10,000+ for an average basement while TerraFirma starts around $2,500 – $5,000. TerraFirma makes more financial sense for minor issues while John’s is justified for extensive water problems to prevent recurring costs.
- Landscaping Disruption
John’s exterior excavation can damage landscaping that will need restoration. TerraFirma’s interior process causes minimal surface disruption. If preserving your yard as-is is important, choose TerraFirma.
- Quality of Local Contractors
Research the specific authorized contractors in your area. While both companies have good reputations nationally, the quality of local providers can impact results. Vet contractors thoroughly through reviews and interviews.
Choosing the right waterproofer involves understanding your needs, researching contractor reputations, and weighing pros and cons. But with the right decision, you can solve your wet basement problems for good and gain peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a wet basement is frustrating, but John’s Waterproofing and TerraFirma both offer solutions to take care of moisture issues for the long haul.
John’s comprehensive waterproofing is great for large flooding problems and offers more services, while TerraFirma provides an affordable interior French drain option for minor leaks.
By understanding the pros and cons of each company, assessing your specific water problems, researching contractor reputations, and reading homeowner reviews, you can make an informed decision on the best basement waterproofing solution to keep your home’s foundation dry.
Contact John’s and TerraFirma for professional assessments and quotes for your project. With the right contractor choice, you can finally have a dry, healthy basement to enjoy.
Ralph, I own a 1900 sq. ft. one-story ranch with a crawl space in a moderate subdivision in Vancouver, Washington which is 180′ above the local primary drainage, Salmon Creek. We have never had a flood in this area.
In October I had both Terra Firma & John’s Waterproofing inspect our crawl space and make proposals. Both proposals focused on interior work with one exterior drain. Both included mold remediation, one or two sump pumps, along with complete encapsulation. One proposal was for $40,000, the other for $50,000. There are always exceptions but neither is close to your “average cost.” Tony
I had John’s and Terra Firma look at our crawlspace. Both bids were between $30K and $35K for 1132 sq ft of of crawl space encapsulation with drainage, sump pumps, and dehumidifier. Prices seem to have gone up substantially. Everything I’ve read said to expect from $5K to “as high as” $15K. Nothing said “…and maybe over $30K.” It was interesting, to me, just how close they were in their bids. Slight differences in drain pipe configuration, type/size of sump pump recommendation, and one had rigid foundation wall insulation while the other had spray foam.
When did this massive price escalation take place?? How can both companies now charge 10+ times, more than all articles, like yours, are stating? Are they really two different ownerships??