The Canadian Home Builders’ Association says bad home repairs cost Canadians more than $70 Billion every year. This often happens when people hire unskilled or dishonest contractors. That’s why it’s important to choose a licensed and trusted waterproofing expert in Mississauga. A good contractor will protect your home and save you money. This guide shows you how.

Why Choosing a Reliable Waterproofing Contractor Is Essential for Your Home

Hiring a professional and trusted waterproofing contractor for your home the right way is very important. If water gets into your basement or foundation, it can damage your home, cause mold, and make your family sick.

Water Damage Is Expensive

According to the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices, water damage is the most expensive type of home damage in Canada. It costs more than fire or theft. In fact, insurance claims for water damage in Canada now cost over $3.1 billion every year. (Source)

That means many people are having the same problem, and it’s expensive to fix if done wrong.

Bad Waterproofing = Bigger Problems Later

If the job is not done properly by a professional:

• Water might still leak into your basement.
• Mold can grow, which is harmful to health.
• The walls or foundation might crack more.
• The value of your home can go down.

Why Trust Matters

A licensed and experienced waterproofing contractor knows how to fix the root of the problem, not just cover it up. They also:

• Follow local Mississauga building rules. (Building by Law)
• Use the right materials and tools.
• Offer warranties, so you’re protected if something goes wrong.

What You Must Review Before Choosing a Waterproofing Contractor?

Choosing the right waterproofing contractor can save you from headaches, wasted money, and future water leaks. We’ve listed 10 simple things to look for while looking for a trusted waterproofing company in Mississauga, where heavy rainfall, high water tables, and clay-rich soil often cause basement issues.

• Start by Asking Around: Sometimes, the best way to find someone reliable is just by asking the people around you. Friends, neighbors, even your real estate agent, they’ve probably dealt with this before and might know someone they trust. Word of mouth is still gold.
• Check Out Online Reviews: Check into Google, HomeStars, or even the BBB website. Look for companies with solid ratings and detailed reviews (not just five stars with no explanation). Pay attention to how they handled problems, did they reply politely or just ignore the complaint?
• Take a Good Look at Their Website: If they don’t even have a website… that’s a red flag. But if they do, look for how long they’ve been around, what kind of work they do, and whether they show off any real projects. Bonus points if they’ve worked on homes similar to yours.
• Make Sure They Know the Area: Homes in Mississauga have their own quirks, clay soil, older basements, that kind of thing. So, someone who’s worked locally will probably have a better grip on what needs to be done (and what doesn’t).
• Check Their License and Insurance: Don’t skip this part. You want someone who’s properly licensed in Ontario and has liability insurance. If a worker gets hurt or something gets damaged, you don’t want that stress on your plate.
• Talk to Them About Their Process: Ask them how they plan to fix your issue. Will they dig from the outside? Use an interior system? Install a sump pump? You don’t have to know all the lingo, but they should explain it in a way that makes sense.
• Get a Few Quotes, Not Just One: It’s easy to go with the first one that sounds good, but get at least two or three quotes. Don’t just look at the price, check what each one includes. One might offer better materials or a longer warranty.
• Watch How They Communicate: This might sound small, but it says a lot. Are they polite? Do they answer your questions clearly? Do they seem annoyed or rushed? If they’re hard to deal with now, it probably won’t get better once the job starts.
• Ask About the Warranty: A good waterproofing job should last years, not months. Most solid contractors will offer 10-year warranties or more. Ask for it in writing, and make sure you can actually reach them later if there’s a problem.

Remember: this is your home, you deserve someone who treats it like their own. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or say no if it doesn’t feel right.

When looking for a waterproofing contractor in Mississauga, I always say, check their reviews, make sure they are insured and ask about warranties. A good contractor will be upfront and honest. 

-Slava, Waterproofing Expert at Canada Waterproofers.

Common Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not every contractor who shows up with their card is always a great one. Here are some warning signs that should make you pause or walk off entirely. 

• No License or Insurance: If they can’t show you proof of a valid license or insurance, that’s a hard no. You don’t want to be stuck paying for damages or accidents.
• Vague or Verbal Estimates Only: “If it’s around $5,000…” isn’t good enough. You need everything in writing, scope of work, materials, payment terms, and timeline.
• High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Be wary of lines like “This deal is only good today” or “We need a deposit right now.” A trustworthy contractor gives you time to think.
• Very Low Prices: If a quote is way lower than others, it’s probably too good to be true. Cheap jobs often lead to cheap materials, rushed work, or shortcuts.
• No Online Presence or Bad Reviews: Can’t find them on Google, HomeStars, or the BBB? Or worse, reviews mention unfinished work, poor communication, or ghosting after payment? That’s a serious red flag.
• No Local References: If they can’t give you the name or number of even one happy customer nearby, that’s not a good sign, especially in a dense place like Mississauga.
• Unclear Waterproofing Method: If they can’t clearly explain what they’re going to do, or get annoyed when you ask, they probably don’t have a real plan.
• No Warranty or Only a Verbal One: Reputable contractors always offer a written warranty. If they avoid the topic or just say “Don’t worry, you’re covered,” that’s a big warning.

Key Questions to Ask Potential Waterproofing Contractors

Before you hire anyone, it’s smart to ask a few key questions, and not just because it sounds good. The Ontario government actually recommends it.

A lot of homeowners run into trouble because they hire the wrong contractor. They forget to ask for proof of license, or they accept a verbal estimate that later changes. Sometimes, the contractor skips permits, doesn’t offer a warranty, or disappears when something goes wrong.

To avoid all that, Consumer Protection Ontario says you should always:

• Ask for license and insurance
• Get a written quote (not just a rough guess)
• Understand how they’ll fix the problem
• Make sure they’ll get permits if needed
• Ask for local references you can actually call

These small steps can save you from a big headache later. And the best contractors? They’re happy to answer your questions. 

Here are a few sample questions for you: 

• How long have you been doing waterproofing work?
• Do you have a license and insurance?
• Can you explain your waterproofing method for my home?
• What kind of warranty do you offer?
• Can you provide a few local references?
• Will you handle permits if required?
• Will you help in getting rebates and subsidies?

Get Multiple Quotes and Compare Services 

Don’t go with the first contractor just because they “seem nice” or gave you a fast answer. It’s always smart to get at least two or three quotes, not only to compare prices but to understand what’s actually included in the service.

Different companies might recommend different waterproofing methods for the same issue. One might suggest interior waterproofing, another may push for exterior waterproofing, or installing a sump pump or weeping tile system. These choices affect cost, warranty, and the time it takes to complete the job.

For example, We, Canada Waterproofers, trusted by many homeowners in Mississauga, typically charges:

• Interior waterproofing: starting from $70–$200 per linear foot
• Exterior waterproofing: starting from $100–$300 per linear foot
• Sump pump installation: around $565–$3,500, depending on the model and setup
• Backwater valve: usually $1,600–$4,200, depending on if it is interior or exterior and may also qualify for city rebates.

Run our cost calculator for better understanding and comparison between the quotes given by different contractors. 

Ask each contractor to give you a detailed written estimate that includes:

• Materials
• Labour
• Cleanup
• Warranty
• Permits (if needed)

Once you have everything laid out, compare not just the prices, but also the value. Who’s using better materials? Who offers a stronger warranty? Who’s more transparent?

Bottom line: In Mississauga, where basements take a beating from weather and soil conditions, getting a cheap fix can cost you more in the long run. Go with someone who does it right, not just someone who does it fast.

Why Canada Waterproofers is the First Choice of Mississauga Homeowners 

If you’re a homeowner in Mississauga dealing with water problems, here’s why Canada Waterproofers is one of the most trusted names in the area:

• 25+ Years of Experience: We’ve been solving basement water problems for over two decades with proven methods and trusted results.
• Over 5,000 Projects Completed: We’ve successfully completed thousands of jobs, helping homeowners protect their properties from water damage.
• Award-Winning Team: We’ve been recognized for our quality work, honest service, and high customer satisfaction.
• 24/7 Support: We’re here for you any time, day or night, especially when emergencies happen and quick action is needed.
• Serving All of GTA: We proudly serve Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto, Vaughan, and surrounding areas.
• Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews: Our clients consistently praise us for being professional, clean, respectful, and reliable.
• Best quality at fair prices: No hidden fees, no shortcuts. Just honest work at a price that makes sense.

Help With Government Rebates and Incentives

One of the biggest advantages is that we help you apply for government rebate programs. The City of Mississauga and the Region of Peel offer rebates for things like sump pump and backwater valve installations.
But here’s the catch ,  you must hire a licensed contractor to be eligible. Canada Waterproofers is fully licensed, so not only do you get professional work, but they also make sure you don’t miss out on money you’re entitled to. They even help with the paperwork, which takes the stress off your shoulders.

Check out our Rebate Page for more details. 

Conclusion

Waterproofing protects your home, health, and investment. Canada Waterproofers offers expert service, honest pricing, and help with rebates in Mississauga and the GTA. Don’t wait for water damage, get peace of mind today.
Call 416-333-LEAK (5325) or visit https://canadawaterproofers.com/mississauga/ to book your free estimate now.

FAQs

Q: Which company is best for waterproofing?
A: Canada Waterproofers is one of the most trusted waterproofing contractors in Ontario.

Q: Does waterproofing have to be certified?
A: While not mandatory, certified waterproofing ensures quality and adherence to industry standards.

Q: Who is responsible for obtaining a building permit in Ontario?
A: The homeowner or property owner is responsible, though contractors often handle it on your behalf.

Q: What does not require a building permit in Ontario? 
A: Minor repairs, painting, and non-structural interior work generally don’t require a permit.

Q: Whose permission is required for construction?
A: Municipal approval via a building permit is required before starting most construction projects.

About the Author

Carl Mcdowell is a seasoned waterproofing specialist with 15+ years of experience protecting homes across the GTA. As a senior consultant at Canada Waterproofers, Carl combines technical knowledge with a passion for educating homeowners on how to safeguard their properties from water damage.