BAR Preservation offers not just the usual waterproofing services, but can also survey and evaluate the status and conditions of your basement. They also keep up a decent standard with their work, have insurance for their clients, and take 2 to 4 days to finish a project!

That said, their services come at a hefty price, with workers asking for deposits of £100-250 at the beginning of their projects. Additionally, during busier days, it can be quite a bit of trouble to secure their services because of demand. 

So, while they are a good choice in terms of services and standards, you would have to be ready to cough up quite a bit of money if you plan on contacting them. It would also be best to contact them ahead of everyone, since they are quite in demand.

Reliable and skilled workers

“I rarely write reviews but the excellent work Bar Preservation did on our cottage deserves recognition. The basement has been transformed from a dark, damp space into a bright and airy room thanks to the skillful workmanship of their team. The guidance and advice offered by their surveyor (Phil) throughout the project was outstanding; not to mention his extra visits to the cottage to ensure we were totally satisfied with the details of the project. This kind of professional, efficient and friendly company is one we all dream of … and, yes, they do exist, and Bar Preservation is one of them. Excellent work and customer service at its very best.”

S.R. Podinsh, Google Review

Responsiveness, Quality Professionalism

“Really professional company and great communication. The surveyor who carried out a damp and timber survey for us was really helpful. Really pleased with work done – on time and to a high standard, many thanks”

Ruth Louisa Couglan, Google Review

We love how Trace Basements and Remedial Services has dealt with all kinds of moisture and dampness issues, along with structural repairs, in buildings both new and old.

Plus, they’ve been working on historical buildings that have been around since 1988! So, even if your basement has been around since your nana’s time, they can still take a look and waterproof it. 

Just be prepared for the price to steep a bit should a severe issue show up. Oh, and be ready to play the waiting game with them. 

Since they take their time to evaluate the basements they work on, their projects can take a month to finish. You may even find yourself waiting a month for a response after the initial evaluation.

Helpful and thorough evaluation and advice

“I began a DIY cellar building project which escalated into a major problem for myself and my family.  I had several general builders to see the excavation area – and received conflicting advice on tanking and [making it] waterpoof. I was left confused and anxious. I called Trace and James not only spent considerable time on the telephone listening to my problems and talking about various solutions, he then spent over an hour at my home discussing the situation. His advice and manner were exemplary. I felt 100% confident with his evaluation. There was no hard sell and, in fact, I felt empowered to continue the project myself knowing I was doing the right thing. I would not hesitate in recommending Trace to any of my friends or family. World class.”

Simon Spence, Google Review

Reassuring for first-time buyers

“Rory came out to assess our property for a damp survey and was incredibly helpful from the start. As first-time buyers, we really appreciated his quick response, clear explanations, and thorough approach – he made the process very smooth for us. Everything was sorted promptly, and he gave us real peace of mind. Would definitely recommend!”

Hannah Boardman, Google Review

JAG Remedials Ltd may be a smaller business compared to others on this list, but we liked what we found when we checked them out. 

From what we’ve seen on their track record, condensation, moulding, and dampening will be of little to no issue for them. Not to mention, they have a 10-year guarantee for their work!

We also appreciate how JAG Remedials aims to give clients quotations within 2 business days. Plus, the staff also consults with experienced surveyors who have more than 20 years of experience under their belts. 

On the downside, enlisting their help can just be a wee bit expensive—if you want their highest quality work, that is. We also felt a bit iffy when some clients we interviewed mentioned that the workers can tend to leave an untidy fix-up job. 

But if you’re willing to dig into your savings a bit and can make do with a bit of a mess, this may be the go-ahead you need to turn to their services.

A team to trust

“Very reliable and punctual tradesmen. Did a neat and tidy DPC. Communication throughout was excellent, explaining how to prepare, what to expect and aftercare. Will recommend.”

Annie Hull, Google Review

A job well done

“Fabulous job completed yesterday by Alan and Phil at JAG Remedials. Having had a rental property that has been plagued by damp issues since we bought it a few years ago, we were desperate to get the problem resolved once and for all. Alan came out to meet me at the property to establish the cause of the issue and to explain how they would completely resolve it for us, and then we were promptly emailed by Jessica with a full quotation, explanation of what works would be carried out and how long it would take. The worst of the damp was on the back wall at the bottom of the stairs, so we had that section temporarily removed so that the damp proof membrane could go down to floor level. The work was completed by Phil this week to an extremely high standard. The plastering is fantastic and the house was left spotless after completion. The 10 year guarantee gives us complete peace of mind that we have finally solved this house’s damp issues once and for all. Thanks to all the team at JAG Remedials for a job well done – we’ll be back in touch when some of our other properties need work.”

Ged Wilmot, Google Review

Newton Waterproofing shines in our books because they can take on different kinds of basement installation and design projects. Clients we interviewed mentioned that the staff responds to their inquiries and concerns quickly and clearly.

Many also praised the contractors for their expertise, making the process and turnaround times quick! Though this may vary depending on the work that needs to be done.

Overall, from what we’ve seen in their track record and our client surveys, it’s no wonder they’ve earned the Feefo Platinum Trust Award—a testament to their commitment to client care. 

We must mention, however, that some clients have complained about additional costs that came up after the job. Nonetheless, we appreciate how they provide multiple warranties and insurance-backed guarantees for the work that they do. 

But, more specific insurances and guarantees are highly dependent on your situation. You’d need to thoroughly discuss the particular details with them so everything’s clear.

Knowledgeable and exceptional

“We recently worked with Newton Waterproofing on a large and complex project in central London, involving both existing and new building elements, including an old coal vault. From the outset, Jack and his team provided exceptional service, going above and beyond what was expected. Jack’s extensive knowledge and advice were invaluable in navigating the challenges of the project. He was always available to offer guidance and support, ensuring that the waterproofing solutions were tailored to the unique requirements of the site.”

Mark Donnelly, Google Review

Quick and reliable

“From my initial contact with Newton Waterproofing to receiving specification and detailed drawings was less than 3 days. They were most helpful in guiding me through this process.”

Kathryn Cradick, Google Review

From what we’ve seen, Pure Basement Systems is a top choice for basement tanking in Manchester because of their numerous qualifications. 

First, we were impressed by their 25 years of experience in the business of basement waterproofing! They also 10-year guarantee on the waterproofing installations they do, and their Codes of Practice are in place, leading to a smooth process.

Additionally, their seven-day availability is an advantage, which is convenient for those needing waterproofing help over the weekend.

Clients we spoke with were all praises about how the workers take great care in installing the waterproofing systems.

However, while Pure Basement Systems offers high-quality systems and reliable services, their work is by no means cheap, mainly requiring a significant investment from clients.

We must also mention that some minor post-job errors were pointed out by their clients. On the upside, the company was quick to respond and fix these concerns—a plus for reliability!

Professional and tidy work on old cellar

“It seems a bit odd to say it was a delight having our manky, mouldy old cellar converted, but it really was with Pure Basement Systems. Professional, confident, efficient, friendly and incredibly tidy given the nature of the work. Communication was excellent – we knew what to expect at each stage, and the team accommodated our requirements really well (in fact, they improved on most of them). The couple of unforeseen issues we had were dealt with promptly with options explained straightforwardly. Even the team’s taste in music was pretty good! We are so incredibly pleased with the finished result, essentially a whole new floor to the house. Pure’s knowledge and skill contributed to making our new workspace not just functional but actually enjoyable to spend time in. Really couldn’t recommend them more highly!”

Norna Scott, Facebook Review

Victorian house project

“Michael project managed and his team oversaw various renovation projects including a three room basement conversion and bathroom / double bedroom dormer roof extension plus two new bathrooms on my Victorian house over a period of 18 months . I felt that I was in expert and reliable hands throughout and all projects ran well.”

Brigitte Wills, Houzz Review