We aggregate ratings from Google, the BBB, and industry-specific platforms. But we don't just look at the star average — review volume, recency, and how the contractor responds to complaints all factor in. A waterproofing shop with 150 reviews averaging 4.6 scores higher than one with 5 perfect reviews.
The Process
How It Works
1
We Collect Data
Customer reviews, Wisconsin DSPS licensing records, insurance verification, and business details — all from public sources.
2
We Score Five Factors
Each contractor is evaluated across five weighted categories totaling 100 points.
3
We Assign a Grade
Points map to a letter grade from A (best) to F (insufficient data). Updated as new information becomes available.
Grading Criteria
The Five Factors
Each factor is weighted to reflect what matters most when hiring a basement contractor in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin requires a DSPS plumbing license for sump pump installation, and we verify general liability insurance, workers' compensation, and bonding across the board. Manufacturer certifications for foundation systems — push piers, helical piers, wall anchors, carbon fiber straps — earn additional points.
Years in business serving Wisconsin homeowners with basement-specific work. A contractor who has weathered multiple Wisconsin freeze-thaw cycles and knows how clay soils behave in Madison versus La Crosse has proven they can run a durable operation. New shops aren't penalized, just scored more cautiously.
Verified phone number, functional website, clear service area, and published business hours. Contractors who make it easy to reach them and understand what they do — interior drain tile versus exterior excavation, for example — score higher than those with scattered or outdated information.
Whether basement waterproofing and foundation repair are their core business, not a side service bolted onto a general contractor or handyman shop. Dedicated specialists tend to understand hydrostatic pressure, carry the right equipment for interior drain tile and exterior excavation, train their crews properly, and honor long-term warranties.
The Scale
The Grade Scale
Points are totaled and mapped to a letter grade. Only A and B contractors are featured prominently in our directory.
A
Outstanding (85–100 pts)
Excellent reviews, verified credentials, strong Wisconsin track record, dedicated basement specialist.
B
Strong (70–84 pts)
Solid reputation, good credentials, and clear specialization. A safe pick.
C
Average (55–69 pts)
Decent but with limited information or mixed reviews. Worth a second look.
D
Below Average (40–54 pts)
Sparse profile, very few reviews, or credential gaps. Get multiple quotes.
F
Insufficient (under 40 pts)
Not enough public data to form a judgment. Not featured in our directory.
FAQ
The Fine Print
Can contractors pay to improve their grade?
No. Our grades are generated from public data and cannot be influenced by payment, advertising relationships, or listing claims. If a contractor disputes their grade, we review the underlying data — but the scoring formula applies equally to everyone.
How often are grades updated?
We refresh contractor data on a rolling basis. Major changes (new reviews, DSPS license updates, business closures) are reflected in the next monthly grading pass.
Why isn't every basement contractor in Wisconsin listed?
We only list contractors with enough public data to score meaningfully. If a shop has no online presence, no reviews, and no verifiable credentials, there's nothing to grade — and nothing to recommend.
What if I think a grade is wrong?
Send us the specifics through our contact page. If we find an error in the underlying data, we'll correct it and rerun the score.