My wife and I recently bought a home that is two levels.  You enter on the first floor and the lower level is partially under ground with walk off porches on both levels.  Because of this design there is a basement/crawl space under the front 1/3 of the home.  The rest of the lower level is finished with two bedrooms and a bonus room.  While viewing the home and during the final inspection the characteristic basement smell hit your nose about half way down the stairs.  The MBR bath and laundry room is also over the crawl space and the cabinets in these areas smelled very musty as well. Because this space is about 1500 sq feet with about a 7" ceiling it is perfect for storage.  The prior residents had installed some type of plastic sheeting on the floors and walls and there was a dehumidifier that needed to be emptied daily.  The space just felt dirty and smelled so I knew that I wouldn't put anything in there the way it was. Prior to even closing on the house I started researching the problem and looking for solutions.  I watched many videos and did quite a bit of reading on the subject before deciding to request an estimate from AFS. I will say that the experience with AFS has so far been top notch from beginning to end.  Within a day I received a phone call and was able to explain a little more what I was looking for.  We agreed on a date for the appraisal.  Prior to the appraisal we received a package in the mail about crawl space science, which also included a letter from the Inspector with his picture. Our Inspector was Devin.  He did a fantastic job explaining the products that were used.  He was very personable and most of all I don't think he tried to oversell us.  I'm by no means an expert but by this time I had spent quite a bit of time in our crawl space observing what was going on down there and on the internet and had a fairly decent idea of what I thought we needed.  Devin did an excellent job of closing the deal and making us feel comfortable that we were making the right decisions.  We ended up going with the Clean Space barrier, the Drainage Matting, Silver Glow insulation for the exterior walls, and the Aprilaire dehumidifier.  Because we just closed money was tight so we went with the 5 year financing which was really easy and we were approved that same evening. Our installation crew was led by Chuck and they were really great.  All three of the guys were very personable and polite and we felt comfortable with them in the house for the day.  The job was originally supposed to take two days but they worked a little late and were able to finish it in one.  I really can't say enough about the demeanor all three of them had, they just seemed like really good guys that were there to work hard and do a good job. Now onto the results.  The installation was done on a Tuesday.  By Wednesday the smell in the stairs was cut in about half and you could already tell the difference when you opened the cabinets that previously smelled musty.  It's now Sunday and I no longer smell anything when going down the stairs and both my wife and I agree that the smell in the cabinets is completely gone.  I have spent some time in the crawl space storing boxes and also just generally seeing how it looks down there.  It's pretty awesome.  I's been chilly and the crawl space has actually been a little more comfortable than the rest of the house.  The appearance is great as well.  The Clean Space really brightens the area up and with the Silver Glow on the walls it just feels clean and makes you want to store stuff in there.  The dehumidifier has kept the RH constant and the small pump is making it so I am no longer emptying anything every day.  We are just very happy with the whole experience.  It feels like this was the final touch to a house that we already loved and makes us feel like we can now actually use all of the spaces in it. read more

My parents had a representative come out and give them a quote to have their crawl space encapsulated. Unfortunately, the work was done so poorly that my dad has had to get back under the house himself to retape the seams since they left. They also installed a crawl-space door that was so tight that my parents are having a difficult time getting in and out of it--and they are not large people. The dehumidifier was another issue. It wasn't level, and the pipe was attached incorrectly, causing water to pour out into the crawl space. My dad called the company, but they couldn't come out for several days. In the meantime, his crawl space would have had standing water if he hadn't gotten under there himself, corrected the issues with the dehumidifier, and cleaned up the water. Later on, an inspector came out and realized they hadn't installed the correct vent on the dehumidifier and that it hadn't been wrapped properly. He said he would bring back what was needed to fix it, but he has never returned. And that's not even the end of it. There have been numerous other issues, including them taping over dirty seams, which caused the tape to not adhere properly, along with a whole host of other problems. My dad contracted this company because he genuinely believed he was getting the best of the best. Instead, he feels like he was misled over and over again about the materials that would be used and the process that would be followed. He has been incredibly disappointed. At this point, it feels like they took his money and left him with a crawl-space encapsulation that is far from the professional job he was promised. When you're spending that kind of money on your home, you shouldn't have to crawl underneath it yourself to fix the work you're paying a professional company to do. read more

UNSUBSTANTIATED In my experience, AFS sells fear, not reliable foundation solutions. They sent adcommissioned salespeople--not independent structural engineers--who pushed $5,000 in piers for a crack that had appeared stable for roughly 20 years. About 18 months after installation, a major new crack and additional damage appeared near the work. When I contacted AFS about its "transferable lifetime warranty," they would not process my claim or meaningfully investigate. Instead, they said the warranty protected only the pier itself--not whether the work actually stabilized the foundation--and sent another salesperson to recommend nearly $20,000 more work and another worthless warranty. I believe the original work was unnecessary and may have contributed to serious new problems. Do not rely on their verbal warranty promises. Hire an independent structural engineer first, record every conversation, take pictures of your own and get multiple competing estimates before letting AFS touch your home. This is my opinion and it is my full intention to hire an honest official independent structural engineer. read more

AFS has been working with us to resolve our problem we are having since their work was completed at our home. I appreciate their efforts in seeking a resolution. C. Lamberth read more

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I had a problem with wood floors buckling in an older home (1950's) in 2021, and had them come out to evaluate my foundation. The inspector recommended encapsulation to the tune of several thousand dollars, which I had done. Floors stopped buckling, and I had the damaged flooring replaced. Within a year, the floor started squeezing. I mentioned this to the technician at the annual inspection, and he said he needed to adjust the humidity. well, the squeezing became progressively worse. It wasn't until now, 4 years later, at the most recent inspection, that the technician was able to diagnose improperly braced "chain walls". (Jamal is a great technician, by the way.) I'm very irritated that I was not informed of this problem 4 years ago at the initial inspection, or 3 years ago at the next inspection, or 2 years ago.... I could have dealt with the foundation issue at the same time as the encapsulation, and potentially saved quite a bit of money, as well as years of aggravation with squeaky floors. I spoke to the AFS manager, Bill in Atlanta today to complain, and all he did was badmouth the former employees, suggest that the improper bracing was something that happens over time in old homes (does that mean the bracing was proper at the first inspection, but somehow became improper over the years? How is that possible?) He took no responsibility for the failure of his employees to notify me of this issue before now, and suggested I just go with their new quote of $8,000+ to make the suggested repair. When asked if he had a superior I could speak with, Bill said he was an owner, and did not have any superiors. AFS appears to be nothing more than an expensive encapsulation company, with little knowledge of foundation issues and/or poorly trained employees. Hire at your own risk! read more

Very professional evaluation a problem and did receive a quote to do the job. The job is now completed. read more

Whatever you do, don't believe what they say. AFS Foundation and waterproofing specialist will tell you what you want to hear. What you asked for, charge you a high price cause they are going above and beyond. But I'm reality, they don't even do have the services they tell you they will do. I couldn't even find the contract until they told me that. Don't trust them. I was having a basement waterproofed, an easy job. I had a problem with moisture, but once the company in Louisville, ky was done. I now have a full blown water problem. AFS claims the solution is some sort of humidifier. The good thing is I've talked to at 2 people who were planning to call them for an estimate but after seeing my pictures alone, they thanked me for letting them know. I hope by posting here I could help more people not to get ripped off read more

After cancelling a work project within the allotted "cancelation time period" provided by AFS, we are still waiting for our deposit to be refunded. read more

AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists - CANCELATION FORM PROVIDED BY AFS, SIGNED/ DATED WITHIN THE ALLOTTED CANCELATION TIME PERIOD. WAITING FOR OUR $2060. DEPOSIT TO BE REFUNDED. - Waterproofing Near Me - Alabaster, Alabama

AFS will take every penny you have then do an awful job. After they are finished charging you $30,000 they will come back yearly to tell you that you need thousands more done (which somehow they didn't catch the year before). They took advantage of my elderly grandmother. Now they come back each year and a family member has to be with her or she will be sold things not only does she not need but noone would need. I would not suggest them to my worst enemy. The customer service is awful (after you sign on the dotted line). This is my first ever review. I'm doing this because there's no telling how many other elderly people they have done this to. Please watch out for your family and anyone else that may be vulnerable. read more

In 2019, AFS installed 14 piers to repair my foundation. My back porch is still sinking and it has 3 out of the 14 holding it up. I have contacted AFS this year, ALL YEAR LONG (2024), with NO HELP!!! So I paid THOUSANDS in 2019, and truthfully AFS seemed like the had done a good job both in customer service and the initial repair. But NOT THE SAME when following up on a warranty and a failed repair. They avoid you and stand you up repeatedly if you are NOT A NEW CLIENT. Disappointed because they preach "exceptional service." read more

AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists - Waterproofing Near Me - Alabaster, Alabama

I contracted AFS when I first bought my house during COVID. I asked them, per my inspection report for crawl space floor joists to support the house. During the work, they raised the floors and cracked my kitchen sink plumbing, and made a large gap in the backsplash/tile at the back of the sink. I reported this to them and nothing. Well, it was COVID - fast forward to this year 2023 to "inspect" the foundation supports. They tell me one side of the house needed support it was sinking 2.5 inches. WHAT? I thought they completed the job the 1st time (they didn't add supports on that side of the house). How was I to know what supports were already there - I went by their assessment of ensuring the house was fully supported. I paid $10,000. This is a small house - built in 1920, only 1 floor, 2 bdrm/1 bath. I told them I obviously need the work done, but most definitely should get a discount since I thought the job was completed, never mind they never took care of the backsplash or cracked plumbing. They made an appointment with me but have yet to show up. The woman on the phone keeps telling me Garret will call me back. It's been weeks. I now have to find another company. read more

AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists - Gap in backsplash - Waterproofing Near Me - Alabaster, Alabama

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I cannot recommend this company enough! 5 Star service, quality and price! We built a home on the lake in 2014. We had a 60' cement deck installed overlooking the lake. The installation from another company at the time we built, was less than good and over the years, our deck started to settle and cave in (due to a lack of fill and gravel under it) and thus we had a 3- 6" crack happening all along the length and back of it where rain water pooled etc. We received numerous costly quotes and put the job on the back burner per se..until we went to the Birmingham Home Show and saw the AFS Booth and associates. We talked with them, took their card and called them a couple months later. The most genuine, conversant, professional and wonderful Sales Rep named Richie came to visit, asses the damage, ask questions, listen intently and give us a quote. It was the best we had received and the most honest. Richie delivered 5 Star service and we loved him and signed the contract that visit. We knew we found our company to do this huge job. On July 2nd, Matthew and John showed up and did an exceptional and amazing job in 3.5 hours..filling under our deck and raising it back up to its original state with 44 gallons of close cell foam. They worked hard, were industrious and so kind and professional. Also 5 star service and workmanship by this dynamic duo. We loved them as well and the entire experience with ASF was stellar, from start to finish. Cannot say enough about the rep, workers, product and price. We're two very happy customers! Thank you all so much! Denise and Nick Olivastri read more

I had someone come out for the free estimate. He sold me a pitch about how my entire world is going to end if I didn't buy his product immediately. ($26k worth) and would finance for a 25% interest rate. He played my heart strings about how this is why my family has been sick. What point is too low for a salesmen? He went on to say the original person who inspected my home that I purchased was either "paid off" or "had no idea what he was looking at". Having me ready to almost go to court over the matter. So once I calmed my nerves I obviously I had a second opinion on a free estimate. Didn't mention anything until after the job was done and still planning for a third as well. I highly recommend staying far from this company, but if you do. Have a second/ third opinion. It seems their evaluators are on a commission base and will say whatever they need to in order to cut a check. Yelp needs something worse than one start. read more

Alarmist company that charges 5 to 10 times the going price for a service. I had just a small amount of wetness on one corner of the home while needing plastic out down. The high pressure salesman stated I needed total crawl space French drains throughout the home and a lot of other things like pumps. After a heavy rain there may be a gallon or two of water in the corner. I stopped them at 35k and asked them to leave. I could have the entire crawl space poured in concrete for half that price. All I needed was new plastic. I also sent them at the same time to a friends house for a little concrete sag in a spot around a pool and a couple sidewalks. 54k estimate. For that price we could remove all the concrete around the pool and sidewalks and re pour then still have 25k left. read more

We called AFS because we had a large crack in the foundation wall in our basement that needed to be repaired. They sent a man out and he spent hours assessing and drawing up a plan. After we got a very good quote a we hired them! Lonnie, Austin, and Tanner came out to do the repair. They were very professional and on time! They were totally prepared and had all the necessary equipment. We were very pleased with the job and now have peace of mind that our home is secure! Thank you Lonnie, Austin, Tanner, and AFS! read more

AFS came out to inspect warranty work on a house (Tuscaloosa, AL) being sold that was under contract and they ended up looking at the whole house, instead of just their work and came up with issues that were made up. They filed a report with potential buyer stating the house was remodeled, which it was not. They reported a retaining wall that was repaired by another reputable firm in Alabama as leaning to which it was not and this was confirmed by the reputable company that repaired the wall in the first place. They then made up other stories pertaining to work done at the house to which they were not a party to. All of this caused the sale of our house to fall through. These folks aren't professional or ethical. They quoted pricing on repair work that was absolutely off the charts. They basically send sales people out claiming to be technicians to look for any little issue and turn it into something. If you are considering this company, BEWARE. Definitely get a second opinion or don't call them at all. There are more reputable companies in Alabama that will actually want to help you. read more

One of Their Agents came to our home over 3 weeks and looked at a possible job. 3 weeks later we have still never heard back from the agent with a quote NOTHING!! So I decided to call the office and see what the issue was the person on the other end of the phone was very pleasant i gave her all the information she asked for & I stated the time lapse she assured me that the agent would contact my husband with a quote, by phone or email a day later still no word?? Very Bad Customer Service. I hope you have better luck if you use this entity. We thought highly of this company with all the advertisements you would think the service would be better. read more

Matt Hall performed our yearly maintenance today and he was extremely helpful in answering all of our questions and explaining things he found to us so we could understand it clearly. He offered several suggestions but was never pushy in anything he said. He was very professional. We felt very satisfied with this visit. read more

NO WAY I bought a rental home that needed some foundation repair because of a tree root that had grown under the house. AFS was very friendly and professional on the phone. I set up a free estimate and was told it would take about 1 1/2 hours. Two guys came out and were there FOUR HOURS! They gave a long explanation and made me watch videos on a laptop before they would even give me price. Then they wanted $25,000 on a house only worth $50,000! I told them no way. I called another company who was able to meet my needs for a fourth of that. The office lady kept calling asking if I had reconsidered and when I told her I had gone with another company, she stated, "well, when you realize what a bad job they did, call us back and we can fix that." I blocked their number. My niece and her husband had the same experience; they wanted $50,000 on an $80,000 house. They were able to fix it themselves. AFS is all hype with fancy trucks paid for by the people they rip off. read more