How we differ from your average waterproofing company

In this short article, we wanted to highlight the key differences between LABS and other water/damp proofing companies within Sheffield and surrounding areas. Throughout, clear examples are given to try and help inform prospective clients of how we operate, our company culture and how customers benefit from choosing LABS for their basement conversion. LABS is a waterproofing and damp proofing specialist company based in Sheffield with the highest of standards. Our company culture emphasises continued improvement, pushing ourselves to be more technologically advanced compared to your run-of-the-mill building firm. We’re always at the forefront of waterproofing design and damp proofing methodology. Traditional builders and company owners rely on training completed during apprenticeships and typically are resistant to change and/or continued professional development. We pride ourselves on advancing along side emergent waterproofing technology.

Continual Professional Development:

At LABS, we attend regular CPD sessions in our industry and have even hosted some of these and shared our expertise with other professionals in our industry. So why is this important to our customers? Simply put, this translates into a superior finished basement for you. As we’re using the most up to date methods and technologies, our clients can be reassured that their project is as modern as it can be. Generally, other companies in our field tend to stick with what they know and go for the cheaper options, meaning clients essentially have an inferior and cheaper end product. For example, LABS install pump systems with telemetric alarms and install complete climate control systems to manage condensation and regulate heat. We were shocked recently to hear that a competitor told a client of theirs that condensation wasn’t their company problem as they had been employed to waterproof the basement, and that condensation was the customers problem. This isn’t surprising as your average company might install a cheap 4″ extractor fan that you can pick up for circa £30! Needless to say these aren’t fit for purpose, but superficially such companies can tick a box that they have provided some ventilation!

Advanced Full Climate Control Systems:

At LABS, we’re also damp proofing specialists and understand that you need to factor in 3 key elements to manage condensation adequately: barrier protection, heat, and ventilation. Superficially these can all be achieved on the cheap, its only a few months down the line when you experience problems. As some clients are none the wiser they put up with the substandard cheap builds that are often seen as standard, convinced that the condensation is their own fault. Rest assured however that under BS8102: waterproofing below ground structures standards, assert the need to manage condensation as part of the design and build. As noted above we at LABS use the most advanced climate control systems, these are comparatively the most energy efficient systems when compared with traditional electric and gas heating.

Adequate Insurance fit for Purpose:

Alarmingly companies working in this specialist area aren’t adequately insured. Once again superficially companies present clients with what’s called “all risk” policies and in fairness to many of these companies they aren’t even aware that they have generic efficacy clauses, which basically means if an operative of the company by mistake or negligence installs some of the system incorrectly then the insurance is null and void!! How crazy is that? Insurance should be there for mistakes, human error like it is with car insurance for example. At LABS we have a detailed policy that doesn’t have such efficacy clauses, and we pay a hefty premium but this ensures that our customers are protected adequately which in turn protects our company. We could get one of these cheaper “all risks” policies for a 1/10 of the cost we pay. This would only provide superficial cover and when you’re structural waterproofing and underpinning people’s properties this simply won’t do. We will always put our customers first before company profits.

Back-office Support:

Unlike your typical and more traditional building companies, we have invested in a high street presence, with an office in Crookes and one on Ecclesall Road in Sheffield. Why is this important? This means we have a back office set up and from start to finish and through to post works, you can always get hold of someone should you need to discuss your requirements. Your call will always be taken by someone during normal working hours and via dedicated WhatsApp groups per-project out of hours for emergencies, overseen by a dedicated management team. We’re there every step of the way in contrast to the stereotypical building firm who limit contact, and who disappear into the sunset in their white van once they’ve had their fill of a project or when the proverbial hits the fan! Check out our extensive Google reviews here, whereby we’re proud to have the most positive Google reviews when compared to our competitors. Also check out our customer testimonial videos where people share their experience of LABS here!

Partnerships With Market Leaders and Radon Mitigation:

Other key advantages of working with LABS is that we’re approved installers of market leading systems by companies such as Wykamol, Saniflo & Elta. We enjoy strategic partnerships with these companies that ensure warranties are honoured in the unlikely event that something goes wrong or fails during your project with us. This gives our customers added peace of mind that we’re working with market leading companies who have proven quality and longevity and share with LABS a desire for continued development and advancement in our field. Other areas covered by LABS, which aren’t typically addressed by our competitors, is Radon mitigation works, where as standard we will measure the Becquerel(bq) levels of radon in a basement before works are carried out. This is beneficial as we can then install appropriate measures and give our clients the ability to make informed choices as a result. Radon exposure >200 bq is correlated with higher incidences of cancer, in particular lung cancer. If you would like to know more about this, please refer to our previous article on the subject here. Once again, if BS8102 is followed correctly, Radon levels must be considered along with condensation as highlighted above. Feel free to contact the team at www.l-a-b-s.co.uk by filling in one of our customer enquiry forms. Alternatively, during normal working hours contact LABS on 01142302865 for a no obligation chat.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, we hope this has given you a better impression of what LABS can do for you and the steps we take to stand out from out competitors. We hope to hear from you soon!