Job Stories

This Ypsilanti, Michigan homeowner contacted HomeSpec because he wanted a Battery Back-Up System installed with a new sump pump to prevent flooding even if a power outage occurs due to bad storms.  Over the weekend, heavy rainfall and severe flooding hit Michigan hard. It made many Michigan homeowners realize that they need to protect their basements against water intrusion. That's why this homeowner wanted to install a new sump pump with a battery back-up system – his pump failed and water filled his basement, causing tons of damage.  With our battery-back up, your pump will keep running even if you lose power, meaning you won't have to stress about a pump failing or the aftermath of a wet basement. It even sounds an alarm when it turns on in order to alert you.   

An Ypsilanti, Mi homeowner bought a house in 2021 she described as:  “…a bit of a Frankenstein situation with the original foundation from 1870, multiple additions, multiple crawl spaces, and partial Michigan basement.” They had an initial inspection done at the time of purchase that didn’t reveal any major foundation issues, however, more recently they began noticing more and more basement cracks and chips. Wanting to be appropriately cautious they called our specialists to take a closer look. HomeSpec’s Elon was undeterred by the situation. Sitting down and talking through the homeowners concerns before beginning a thorough investigation. The investigation process for this particular job was far more involved. The house was a two-unit property that was combined into a single unit with four different basement types total due to expansion over time. Some parts of her foundation were discovered to have been pulling away, which raised a concern about structural issues for the home. Crawlspaces were currently used for junk storage, but no basement area was useable in its current state for a living space. Elon had discovered multiple further issues throughout the different avenues he explored, the homeowner was taking in water from multiple areas and sources, there were varying pests infesting different crevices, they would need pest control, crack repair, foundation repair, and more. Elon made sure to periodically check back in with the homeowner with status reports, and openly communicate his findings throughout the process as well as what that would mean for the owner. He proposed a solution set including encapsulating her crawlspaces and explained the need for a custom drainage system that would be plausible for her unique housing situation. There would be no possibility for a “cookie-cutter” fits all solution here. Thankfully, HomeSpec’s WaterGuard drainage system had multiple customizable configurations that could help adapt to the varying circumstances presented. The recap of the found issues were that the basement and crawlspaces were both leaking water from varying sources, crack repair was needed, foundation repair was needed, pest control, crawlspace encapsulation, and perhaps most importantly, a proper customized drainage system throughout. The homeowner was so impressed with Elon, and their experience working with him to understand their problem that she’d remark in a review: “He really had his work cut out for him here and he did a great job, honestly give this man a raise! I'll definitely be calling him back in the next 6-12 months to move forward with some repairs and waterproofing.”             Note: Work Not Yet Completed

This long time Ypsilanti, Mi homeowner had been very attentive to her home’s needs, wanting this to be the only home she'd ever need. To that end, a recent home inspection made her aware of the need to replace her crawl space insulation. Currently, she was using standard fiberglass insulation like most people. Fiberglass insulation is the most standard and economical option, but it also has many flaws that accompany it. Fiberglass insulation absorbs water and loses its R-value when wet, and also promotes mold growth when dirty, beyond that air passes through fiberglass batts, contributing to uncomfortable rooms upstairs, cold floors, and high energy bills. Her insulation was failing; that much was obvious with the constant chill in her home in recent years, the insulation had aged out.   After explaining the situation to our project manager Erik, it was recommended that for a more efficient and longer-term insulation solution to consider SilverGlo over fiberglass. SilverGlo is made of expanded polystyrene insulation with graphite infused into it. The tiny particles of graphite reflect heat and lower the material's conductivity for superior R-values. This type of crawl space insulation helps keep warmth in the winter throughout the house and can even help reduce heating bills with their heat reflective material.   This homeowner was happy to have a solution that not only helped prevent water leaks, but also helped reduce her heating bill!

A family in Ypsilanti, MI, recently noticed some water beginning to seep into the basement after a rainstorm from a large vertical crack in their basement foundation; this caused them to worry about possible flooding and secondary issues that could be present within the home. Aside from the water damage, they noticed more bugs and other pests also getting in through the same crack, which caused them to feel uncomfortable stepping into their basement. After setting aside some time to look into the problem, they searched for a home repair contractor nearby. This led them to choose HomeSpec BasementFix as the contractor of choice for the job. Keith, a Project Manager, who was a veteran in foundation repair, was called out to do an inspection of the property and discuss the homeowners concerns. After expressing their need to stop further damage from happening, Keith began his detailed inspection of the foundation in order to confirm what was causing the leaks in the basement. While there, he found the large crack in the wall mentioned previously, which could be the reason for the water seeping in and the bugs getting access into the basement. While relieved this didn’t require full basement waterproofing, it was still a well documented sign of foundation damage. Realizing the urgency of the homeowners request, Keith proposed a solution that involved foundation repair, wall support, and crack repair. The most effective way to seal this large crack is with a high-pressure urethane crack injection, which successfully fills the crack and provides a watertight seal. The next step was to use standard helical piers, a support system that is capable of transferring the weight of the foundation through the pier itself while anchoring it to new load-bearing soil. Helical piers get their name from the helical plates that are welded to the support shaft that digs into the ground like a screw, thereby strengthening the level of support given to the foundation. The helical pier support system is a permanent solution because the shaft can be extended or contracted to meet the needs of the foundation. In order to address the wall support issue, the PowerBrace Wall Support System was recommended. PowerBrace wall supports can help prevent walls from bowing and causing further damage by installing steel beams that are attached to the brackets above the foundation wall, providing structural support. These PowerBrace beams are adjustable to meet the needs of the wall and can be altered to fit the homeowners requirements. With minimal invasion of the basement, PowerBrace is an effective and durable solution to foundation wall problems. Once the crack was sealed and the foundation restored to its original integrity, the homeowners fears of flooding or water seeping into the basement were put to rest. The family was happy to recommend HomeSpec BasementFix to friends for the excellent work done and professionalism displayed by the team.

A homeowner in Ypsilanti, MI, was experiencing frequent flooding in their basement. They had begun to get increasingly concerned with the structural integrity of the home and the potential for mold growth. This led them to reach out to us in order to solve their basement waterproofing needs.  Upon arriving at the home, one of our experienced Project Managers, Chris, conducted a thorough inspection of the basement, including checking for cracks in the foundation and assessing the current sump pump system. He discovered that the existing sump pump was outdated and not powerful enough to handle the amount of water entering the basement. To solve the problem, Chris recommended the installation of an UltraSump sump pump.  He explained to the homeowner that the UltraSump sump pump was designed with a powerful motor that could quickly pump large volumes of water out of the basement, and that it was constructed of corrosion-resistant materials, making it a durable solution. He also made sure to mention how the UltraSump sump pump’s advanced monitoring and alarm system would alert them if there was a problem with the pump. The homeowner agreed to the installation and our crew got to work. They first excavated the area around the existing sump pump and removed the old pump. They then installed the new UltraSump sump pump, connecting it to the existing drainage system. Then they installed a new battery backup system, which would keep the pump running in case of a power outage. Thanks to the UltraSump sump pump, This homeowner no longer had to worry about their basement flooding. They were happy they made the investment in the UltraSump sump pump and were confident that the basement would remain dry and safe for many years to come.

A homeowner in Ypsilanti, MI had been experiencing water leaking into their basement from the northeast corner where the wall meets the floor every time it rained. They had been monitoring the situation for weeks and were worried about the water damaging their vintage CD collection, which they kept stored in the basement. They had already tried various temporary solutions, such as placing towels at the base of the wall to absorb the water, but nothing seemed to be working. They knew it was time to find a permanent solution to prevent future leaks from happening. So they began their search for a solution by looking online and talking to friends and family, after discovering that many homeowners had similar problems and that installing a drainage system could be the solution, they reached out to us to complete this project.  When our experienced Project Manager arrived and inspected the homeowners basement, he noted how the large cracks were causing this homeowners drainage system to fail and pool water around the floor.  After discussing possible solutions with the homeowner, he recommended we install the UltraSump and WaterGuard Drainage System to prevent the water from damaging their CD collection.  When our crew arrived at the home and assessed the situation, they determined that the WaterGuard Drainage System would be installed first, followed by the UltraSump. Our crew began by excavating the perimeter of the basement floor, creating a trench where the WaterGuard Drainage System would be installed. Our crew made sure that all seams were sealed to prevent water from entering the basement. The system was connected to the UltraSump, which was installed in the corner of the basement, and the crew made sure that the battery backup system was functioning correctly. The UltraSump battery backup system ensures the sump pump will continue to function even if there is a power outage, which gave this homeowner peace of mind that their basement would be protected even during severe weather. This homeowner was grateful that we could save their CD collection from getting damaged and was happy to see that their basement was no longer leaking. This allowed them to utilize the space for more storage as well as provide them peace of mind that their belongings would not get water damage.

A family living in Ypsilanti, MI was finally ready to address the water leaking into the basement through a crack where the basement wall and floor met. They had explained this was becoming enough of an issue where it was starting to damage their belongings and cause them health concerns because of the potential for mold growth.  Upon arriving at the homeowner's residence, the Project Manager we sent inspected the area and determined that the water intrusion was likely caused by hydrostatic pressure building up outside the basement walls, which was causing water to push through the foundation.  To address this problem, he recommended installing our TripleSafe sump pump system. The TripleSafe is a powerful sump pump that includes a battery backup system to ensure that the pump continues to function even during power outages. This system also features a primary pump, a secondary pump, and a third backup pump, providing triple protection against water intrusion. In addition to the TripleSafe, he recommended installing our WaterGuard Flangeless XL system. This system is designed to collect water that enters through the basement walls and direct it to the sump pump. Unlike other drainage systems that have a flange that protrudes above the floor, the WaterGuard Flangeless XL is installed beneath the floor and has a larger diameter, allowing it to collect more water and provide better drainage.  Finally to further protect the basement from water intrusion, he recommended installing our CleanSpace Wall system. This system includes a durable, vapor barrier that is installed along the basement walls to prevent water from penetrating the walls and causing damage. The CleanSpace Wall system also has antimicrobial properties, preventing the growth of mold and mildew. The installation process was quick and simple, with the TripleSafe sump pump, WaterGuard Flangeless XL, and CleanSpace Wall systems working together to provide comprehensive protection against water intrusion for this family.

A homeowner in Ypsilanti, MI who had recently purchased a home built back in 1939 was facing a recurring problem in the basement that was frustrating them and causing concern. . Water has been making its way into the basement, seeping through the floor, a few feet away from the walls, and causing damage to their belongings they had stored. It's evident that the water infiltration has taken a toll on the basement, and the homeowner had enough of the constant leaks and the damage they were bringing. They reached out to us for a solution and we scheduled a free inspection for the following week.   Upon inspecting the basement, our Project Manager quickly identified a potential source of the problem. On the same side of the basement where the water was making its unwelcome appearance, there were pooling water issues outside the house. The correlation between the exterior pooling and the interior leaks indicated that the root cause of this homeowner's basement woes lay in water seepage through their foundation. To provide this homeowner with a lasting solution and peace of mind, he proposed the installation of the WaterGuard. This waterproofing system was designed to keep basements dry and drain water away from foundation walls and floors.   So, how does WaterGuard work its magic? Unlike traditional methods that involve messy exterior excavations, WaterGuard is an interior drainage system that acts as a reliable barrier against water seepage. It collects water that enters the basement and directs it away from the foundation walls and floor, channeling it to a sump pump system for disposal. The installation process began with our crew carefully assessing the perimeter of the basement. They excavated a shallow trench around the interior foundation walls, making sure not to cause any damage to their belongings or the interior structure. Next, our crew placed a specialized drainage channel, the WaterGuard system, into the excavated trench. This PVC channel features unique wall flanges that sit flush against the foundation walls, allowing water to flow into the channel while keeping debris and soil at bay. With the WaterGuard system in place, our crew sealed the edges and joints, ensuring a watertight fit that prevents any water from escaping the channel. The sealed system was then covered with clean backfill, providing a stable base and allowing a natural filter.   With the system in place, the pooling water outside their house will no longer find a way inside, and they can bid farewell to the stress of having their belongings damaged by a wet basement.

In the heart of a quiet neighborhood in Ypsilanti, MI a concerned homeowner, found themselves facing a daunting issue. Water had begun infiltrating their basement, seeping in where the floor met the wall. To make matters worse, there was a small but ominous crack on the basement floor. Their daughter, equally worried, had raised concerns about the presence of black mold. The need to address these issues was paramount, and this homeowner sought a solution that would guarantee a dry and mold-free environment. Little did they know that the key to alleviating their worries would be two products: WaterGuard and TripleSafe.   The homeowners first noticed the problem when they ventured into the basement one rainy evening. They had spotted the unmistakable signs of water intrusion, with damp spots along the base of the basement walls. Alarmed, they decided to investigate further and discovered a small crack in the floor. This discovery prompted them to consult with their daughter, who had heard about the potential health hazards associated with black mold. It was at this point that they decided to take action and reach out to us.   WaterGuard is a drainage system designed to capture and redirect water away from the basement, preventing it from causing damage. The homeowner recognized that this system would address the issue where water was seeping in. WaterGuard, with the way it's designed, effectively collects water and directs it to a sump pump, ensuring a dry basement even during heavy rains. To tackle the crack in the basement floor, our crew decided to complement WaterGuard with the TripleSafe sump pump system. The TripleSafe provides not one, but three layers of protection against water intrusion. It includes a primary pump, a secondary pump, and a battery backup system. This means that even in the event of power outages or pump failures, the homeowners basement would remain safe from water damage.   With the installation of WaterGuard and TripleSafe, this homeowner and his daughter witnessed a transformation in their basement. The WaterGuard system channeled water away from the problem area, ensuring that the floor and wall junction remained dry. Meanwhile, the TripleSafe sump pump system provided an extra layer of security, preventing any future water-related disasters.    

In the realm of home improvement, there are stories of homeowners facing challenges and seeking solutions to enhance their living spaces. This story narrates the journey of a homeowner in Superior Twp, MI, with an unfinished basement and water intrusion issues. The homeowner's desire to finish the basement while addressing the water problem serves as the central focus of this story. We will explore how the use of WaterGuard, CleanSpace Wall, and TripleSafe helped resolve these issues, making the basement a safe and comfortable area for the homeowner's family.   The homeowner had an unfinished basement with a unique challenge: water infiltration through a vertical crack and the intersection of the floor and wall, primarily on the garage side of the house. This prevented them from utilizing the basement in the way they wanted to. The looming threat of mold growth compounded their concerns, as they planned to stay in the home for only three more years. Their ultimate goal was to finish the basement and create a functional living space that could be enjoyed without the constant worry of water damage and mold.   1. WaterGuard: A Barrier Against Water To address the water intrusion issue, our homeowner opted for the recommended WaterGuard system. WaterGuard is an unobtrusive interior drainage system designed to capture and redirect water away from the basement. It sits below the floor and along the foundation walls, preventing water from seeping through cracks.   2. CleanSpace Wall: Moisture-Resistant and Mold-Preventing To combat the concern of mold growth, we recommended the CleanSpace Wall for them. CleanSpace is a durable and moisture-resistant wall system that acts as a vapor barrier. It effectively seals off the basement walls, preventing moisture from entering and discouraging mold formation.   3. TripleSafe: Sump Pump Protection To further bolster the basement's defense against water intrusion, the homeowner invested in the TripleSafe sump pump system. The TripleSafe sump pump is equipped with three pumps, ensuring operation even in the most challenging conditions.   In the quest to transform their unfinished and water-troubled basement into a functional living space, our homeowner found success through the use of WaterGuard, CleanSpace Wall, and TripleSafe. These solutions mitigated the water issues, prevented mold growth, and ensured a safe and comfortable environment. With these improvements in place, our homeowner can now work towards finishing the basement, enhancing the value of their home, and enjoying their newfound space without the worry of water damage.