Subject: Request for Immediate Resolution of Basement Waterproofing Failure and Resulting Damages…read more
To Doug Secrest
My name is Jason E. Charles. I am requesting a call back at your earliest convenience so that we can work through a matter of increasing concern regarding the waterproofing work performed on my property.
Approximately five years ago, I contracted The Basement Guys to waterproof my basement. Shortly thereafter, I encountered an issue near the oil tank carrier -- an area that was not waterproofed during the initial service. Once the oil tank was moved, that area was subsequently waterproofed. For the next five years, the system appeared to function as expected.
However, on June 19th of this year, following significant rainfall, the system began to leak. I contacted The Basement Guys using the phone number listed on my original contract. That call directed me to your company, Ohio Basement Authority. I spoke with a representative who located my information and scheduled a technician to visit the property, which I greatly appreciated.
During the inspection, I showed the technician video evidence of water pouring into the basement during the rain. After reviewing the footage and inspecting the installation, the technician informed me that the system had been improperly installed and needed to be redone. He contacted your internal team and advised me that someone would reach out within 24 hours to schedule the repair.
Approximately 45 minutes after the technician left my home, the basement wall collapsed. I immediately contacted the technician, who returned promptly and installed temporary supports. He reiterated that the collapse was caused by the improper installation of the original waterproofing system.
In the days that followed, I spoke with Marc, who I understand to be the General Manager of your Twinsburg office. He sent out your concrete mason, Aaron, who provided a quote for repairing the wall. Later that day, Marc arrived and performed his own inspection. After cutting open the wall plastic and examining behind it, he concluded that no track system had been installed on 90% of the original basement area -- only around the oil tank, where work had been completed later.
The lack of a track system, and the concrete pinching the plastic against the wall, prevented water from draining properly, effectively trapping it behind the walls. Over the years, my children had playfully pushed against the wall during rainstorms and noticed it moved like a waterbed -- not realizing that this indicated a serious issue. We never experienced any visible leaks until the event six weeks ago, which prompted me to contact your office.
I have since consulted my own contractors, your technician, and your mason, Aaron. All parties have confirmed that the failure occurred due to hydrostatic pressure building behind the wall because the improperly installed system did not allow water to drain. This ultimately caused the wall to collapse.
Over the past six weeks, I have continued to work with Marc. He has repeatedly promised, via text message, that your company would cover the cost of repairs and reimburse me for damages. I have retained all communications. My attorney has advised me that those text messages constitute a binding written agreement. As of today, those assurances have not been fulfilled, and Marc is now in breach of that contract.
At this point, I am simply seeking a fair resolution and would prefer to resolve this matter amicably and outside of litigation. If, however, I do not receive a timely and appropriate response, I am fully prepared to move forward with the legal action that has already been initiated.
Sincerely,
Jason E. Charles
