Need advice on an issue with my contractor

we had work done on our basement.
we also added a bathroom there. to do the bathroom they had to jackhammer the foundation, lay plumbing, then fill it back up.

we also got carpet downstairs.

fast forward to a month after the work completed.

after a few bad rain storms, our carpet was left half soaked. before the work, we never had water downstairs.

we figured out that from the rumblings of the jackhammer and tools to break the foundation, the waterproofing on the side of the house cracked.


the contractor says that its not his fault but to fix it it will cost $4,000.


our insurance doesnt cover this type of thing (only water damage) so we are not sure what to do

do we just pay the $4000 and fix it?

do we hire a lawyer and sue this contractor?

i am not sure of the next step.

Message edited 11/21/2006 2:23:26 PM.

Re: Need advice on an issue with my contractor

Did the contractor warn you that this might happen? If not, I think that it is partly his responsibility. Is this something that is common when jack-hammering? Could he have taken any precautions to avoid this? These are all things I would find out before you proceed in either direction.

Sorry this happened to you.

Re: Need advice on an issue with my contractor

He's certainly not going to admit it. But if you never had water before, chances are he did it.

Before suing, can you ask him if maybe he can do 1/2 w/ you. $2K you pay and the the other $2K he pays. I think that is fair. And see what happens.