3 weeks ago

Commercial Property Crawl Space Repair

Project date: January 2025

Location: Tualatin, Oregon

The Challenge

All of our clients who call us about crawl spaces issues in apartment complexes can expect detailed reports with dozens (potentially hundreds) of pictures and videos. These reports are great to send to out-of-state owners or on site maintenance managers who are not excited about going in these spaces.

This property manager had a known plumbing leak she wasn’t able to get fixed because the crawl space was flooded. After a thorough inspection and report to the owner, they decided to fix the neighboring unit because of their plans to sell the complex in the next five years.

The biggest challenge was completing the work as quickly as possible—not only to protect the owner’s investment but also to restore plumbing for the tenants and keep the management compliant with state regulations and lease agreements.

Our Solution

Clean out the crawl space
Install (2) sump pumps
Install drainage systems ending at the sump pumps (440’ of drainage installed)
Fix vent screens and rodent intrusion points
New vapor barrier down

This was the perfect solution for these clients. Now that the crawl spaces are clean, other trades can easily make repairs with minimal tenant complaints or disturbances. The sump pumps can easily be maintained by the on-site management with just a few minutes of work once a year.

Before and After Photos

It is probably obvious why they could not get anyone to go under their units to make needed repairs!

Insulation falling in apartment complex craw space

It was hard to tell if a frustrated contractor or a rodent did all this damage, but there was evidence it was both.

The water level in this unit had gotten high enough, at times, to start rotting the post.

After a clean out and pump out of the water the tradesman can make the repairs to turn plumbing and power back on for the tenants.

All debris removed.

Trench dug in apartment complex crawl space

These trenches are 9” x 9” and go around the entire building. Approx. 440’ was installed at this unit.

EZ-Flo installed in apartment complex crawl space

NDS EZ – Flo is installed in all trenches. EZ-Flo has a 100 year life span and 30% more flow capacity than traditional solutions. Better Basements is the only crawl space contractor in the Northwest that has made this obvious upgrade.

Sump pump installed in apartment complex crawl space

One basin is surrounded in gravel pictured here. This project had a total of four installed.

Vapor barrier replaced in apartment complex crawl space

Vapor barrier installed! Industry standard says a vapor barrier should last about 30 years if protected from water and outside damage. But we see properly installed vapor barriers in waterproofed crawl spaces lasting much longer.

The sump pumps discharged into the gutter down spouts which go to the city storm water management systems.

Pit before sump pump was installed in apartment complex crawl space

BONUS picture of a pit before a pump was able to be installed!

You can catch up with me on social media where I share thoughts, projects, and updates. Feel free to follow along!

Dylan Milroy – Co-Owner

REVIEWS

What People Say

    
 
 
         
   Denise A 
 
 
 
  From start to finish, Better Basements and Waterproofing was great to work with.   I found everyone to be customer focused.  They were amazing in answering all my many questions.
  
 
        
   Russell Mantifel 
 
 
 
  Timely. Communicative. Flexible. Quality.
  
 
        
   Brian Eubanks 
 
 
 
  Great service and friendly staff.  People were on time and really helped when I had questions.  Job was quick and was cleaned when it was finished.  Thank you.
  
 
        
   Seth Miller 
 
 
 
  These folks are awesome to work with. Hyper punctual, knowledgeable, and flexible. Not pushy at all and seem to simply want your water problems to go away. I don’t feel their techs would offer or recommend doing anything they wouldn’t do to their own homes.
  
 
        
   Kathleen Jones 
 
 
 
  Courteous and friendly and did everything they needed to do in our crawlspace. Also kept dirt and dust down to a minimum and tried to keep the costs down. Would highly recommend!
  
 
        
   Tim Barbknecht 
 
 
 
  Knowledgeable, friendly, no “up sales” just honest assessments. I will hire these guys when I’m ready.
  
 
        
   Nicholas Mitchell 
 
 
 
  Highly professional company. Highly recommended
  
 
        
   Tyler Buschman 
 
 
 
  These guys are pros. They replaced old vapor barrier and insulation in the crawl space and installed a sump pump and fan for our house. Everything was done in a timely matter and looked great. I can now sleep with peace of mind. Would definitely recommend to anyone needing work done beneath their home.
  
 
        
   Ryan James 
 
 
 
  Team was super responsive and great ! We had crawl space encapsulation and also some foam spray done, with sump pump and dehumidifier. I thought they did an awesome job and really helpful throughout the process. Highly recommend !

Commercial Property Crawl Space Repair

The Challenge

Our Solution

Before and After Photos

Recent Posts

What People Say