Adirondack Basement Systems

We had Adirondack Basement install what they call an encapsulation in our basement. An encapsulation basically seals off all the dirt and moisture that makes the basement so unusable. The installation caused a lot ot disruption, especially since the installers didn't prepare the portion of our home they would have to walk through, the way responsible contractors do. They were off-schedule, had to rush to finish by the weekend (which affected the neatness of their basement work), and even had to drive to Lowe's at the last minute for supplies, which I do not understand. An electrician was supposed to come assess our electrical system for load because of the dehumidfier they installed. This electrician has never appeared. We discovered standing water in the basement yesterday. We contacted Adirondack Basement about it, and they pointed out that they are only responsible for water that comes from under the encapsulation, not from above it. Indeed, this makes sense, except that the water appears to be coming from a pipe related to the furnace, one that used to drain directly to the previous dirt basement floor. They said they are not qualified to do any work related to a furnace, despite their slogan of "All Things Basementy," and despite the fact that furnaces are often, though not always, located in basements. It appears the pipe is a drain that should have been channelled into the dehumidifier (which, I should point out, is louder than the furnace itself). They said they cannot do this. I suggested that they are not qualified to complete the work they set out to do, i.e., the basement. I also mentioned the missing electrician. They said we must have misunderstood about the electrician. As we had mentioned the electrician to the workers when they were here, and they said he was the brother of the owner of Adirondack Basement, I do not think we misunderstood about the electrician. The person we spoke with said the people who were here were installers, and could not anticipate this kind of problem. In my own work, however, I am expected to build expertise based upon experience, and, therefore, anticipate problems. We paid about six thousand dollars for a basement that is supposed to be dry and usable. At this point, that is not the case. We cannot recommend Adirondack Basement, unless you like commotion in your home, people who do not show up, inadequate staffing for completing the job, and water lapping at your possessions. And a customer service person who will tell you that you were mistaken about the electrician. more

I have read both of these reviews. Honestly Adirondack Basements Systems should have researched the area a little before charging the customer for a system that they should have known wouldn't work. As far as the basement wall giving way; there is no way that adirondack basements could prove that it wasn't there system that caused the problem. Let's look at the facts. ABS installs an ice gaurd system directly outside of the foundation wall. This gaurd connects the sump pump to the drainage pipe. As stated by ABS "There is a stream that flows on the opposite side of the street from this property. There was a deluge of rain and the culvert system could not handle the volume of water." So if that system backed up the water would overflow out of the Ice gaurd and cause a significant amount of water flow in a concentrated area. This could ultimately lead to a breach in the basement wall and cause it to collapse. more

The issue with this property was due to flooding in the area. I have pictures on file from the local news station of water that is 2 feet above the front entrance door of the building. No waterproofing contractor could protect a basement from that type of flood. Furthermore, that flooding is what caused the tremendous amount of pressure on the rear block wall, ultimately leading to it's failure. When we were contacted by this customer about this problem, we immediately came out to evaluate the situation. We were not allowed by the town to enter the building until the foundation was secured. When entry was permitted, we returned to get the pumps operational again. In the weeks after, we called the owner multiple times for updates. The owner never gave us any opportunity to assist her. We at Adirondack Basement Systems feel we have done all we could to help this customer. It is unfortunate think that happened. It truly was an unpreventable act of nature. There is a stream that flows on the opposite side of the street from this property. There was a deluge of rain and the culvert system could not handle the volume of water. The entire road flooded (Route 2) to the point of being closed. There were several motor vehicle accidents even due to flooding in this spot. I believe one car even flipped over. more

When I first found Adirondack Basement Systems, I was excited to finally have my water problem in my basement fixed. The salesman came over and took pictures and gave me a detailed explanation of what they do and the 'lifetime guarantee' they offer. Well, what could be better than that?! Was that too good to be true? DEFINITELY! The first flood we had, there was 12 inches of water in our basement. And even though we had two sump pumps installed with a third one on a marine battery back up (which is supposed to work if the basement floods, as they assured me it wouldn't), the system failed. When I called Adirondack Basements for my 'guarantee', I was told that the marine battery is not supposed to work... that it is only supposed to buy you time until I could have a generator hooked up to the sump pump system! Why wasn't I told this when I spent the $13,000.00?!? I was not told this. I had a very big mess to clean up. Six months later, on July 1, 2009, we suffered a severe flood once again. Not only did the system NOT work, but the drainage system that ABS installed was installed in a way that caused the water to push up against our foundation wall, causing it to collapse! Our building was tagged as unsafe and unable to enter for two weeks! ABS did not want to accept any responsibility for the system failing and the subsequent damages that totaled $50,000.00! Insurance did not cover any of the damages since we do not have flood insurance. ABS also would not guarantee any of the damage equipment, like they claimed they would. I'm very disappointed that Adirondack Basement Systems did not help in any way or make good on any of their promises. I've lost so much in stored items and no longer am able to use my basement. Now, I treat the building as though it doesn't have a basement. I do not recommend this company to anyone. Save your money. Luckily, I'm in a business where I talk to people all day long and can warn them about this company and how they will take your money and make all of the promises in the world. Please don't let them take yours. Pros: Very good sales people Cons: Very bad at service and honoring their work more