Why estimates vary so much.

If you get three quotes for the same basement, you'll usually get three different prices and three different scopes. The bottom line is the easy part to compare. The scope is where the real difference is.

Things to ask each contractor: How many feet of perimeter drain are you installing? What pump model? Is a battery backup included or extra? What's the warranty term, and is it transferable? Are you breaking the slab or just the cold joint? How many crew, how many days?

If a contractor can't answer those without going back to their truck, that's a flag. We bring a written, line-itemed estimate to every visit.

And about the cheapest quote — sometimes it's cheap because the company is honest about doing less work than the others. Sometimes it's cheap because they're cutting corners you'll regret. Ask the questions above and you'll know which one you're looking at.