1. Observe and protect
Log where dampness appears in the Ann Arbor home, how it tracks with rain or snowmelt on the property's grade, and what's already been attempted. Protect what's finished, but don't erase evidence of the pattern.
2. Evaluate the house and site
On Ann Arbor's hilly moraine lots, water can enter from several directions at once — surface runoff, grading that slopes toward the house, hydrostatic pressure from the glacial till below, cracked walls, or failed floor joints — and telling them apart is the first job, not the last.
3. Define a written scope
An Ann Arbor proposal worth signing spells out preparation, materials, access, permits, testing, cleanup, restoration, exclusions, and change-order pricing in advance.
4. Compare providers
Verify credentials, then read how each Ann Arbor provider explains the cause -- two firms often disagree, and understanding why matters before choosing.
5. Inspect closeout
Before an Ann Arbor project is done, confirm documented testing, a cleaned-up site, written warranty terms, and a clear list of what maintenance now falls to you.