Two quotes mean something only when they describe the same work. HomeGuide's national guide (written January 23, 2026) advises getting the warranty in writing before work begins and asking contractors whether they offer a warranty on their work. Annapolis MD Basement Waterproofing sets out what to compare, and how to check a contractor's Maryland license.
The Short Answer
Compare the cause each quote names, the system, the length of wall or drain, the pump and discharge, the warranty in writing, the contractor's MHIC license and who handles any permit. A lower price that leaves out the drain, the pump or the discharge is not a lower price for the same job.
What to Compare
| Point | What a good quote says | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| The cause | Where the water enters and why | A quote that only names a product skips the diagnosis |
| The system | Interior drainage, exterior waterproofing or both, and why | HomeGuide puts interior at $6,000 to $12,000 and exterior at $10,000 to $18,000 on average |
| The scope | Feet of wall, feet of drain, number of pumps and where they go | Quotes with different scope are different jobs |
| The discharge | Where pumped water goes after it leaves the house | A pump with no plan for the water fails |
| The outside fixes | Gutters, downspouts and grade | The Maryland Geological Survey names grading and landscaping among the causes |
| The warranty | What is covered, for how long and what voids it, in writing | HomeGuide advises getting it in writing before work begins |
| The license | The contractor's MHIC license number | Maryland requires it for home improvement contracts with homeowners |
| The permit | Who applies and who pays for it | The City of Annapolis lists plumbing system work among work that needs a permit |
Check the Contractor's License
The Maryland Home Improvement Commission says only MHIC-licensed contractors may enter into contracts with homeowners to perform home improvement work. The Commission's page offers a license status search, and you can call the Commission at 410-230-6231 (toll-free 1-888-218-5925). It also says a homeowner can recover up to $30,000 through its Guaranty Fund, and no more than the amount paid to the contractor. Maryland's Business Regulation Article, section 8-301, requires a contractor license whenever a person acts as a contractor in the State, with exemptions for some trades such as plumbers working within their own licensed work.
Check the Basics
Ask every company the same questions. Where is the water coming from? Which system do you recommend and why not the other? What does the price include? Where does the pump discharge? Who pulls any permit? What is the warranty, and can I have it in writing? A company that cannot answer these before work starts will not answer them after.
What Annapolis Adds
The City of Annapolis runs its own building permit process, and exterior projects in the Historic District still need a certificate of approval under Chapter 21.56 of the City Code. A quote for work at an Annapolis address should say who confirms that. Census Bureau figures (American Community Survey, 2020-2024) show about 14% of occupied Annapolis homes were built in 1939 or earlier. Waterproofing older Annapolis homes
Why Prices Differ
HomeGuide names the foundation type, the size of the basement, the severity, the method and the location among the cost drivers. Two houses on the same street can need different systems. What basement waterproofing costs in Annapolis
Frequently Asked Questions
How many quotes should I get?
Enough that you can compare the same scope on each. Two or three written quotes that name the cause, the system and the discharge tell you more than five that only give a price.
How do I check a contractor's license in Maryland?
Use the license status search on the Maryland Home Improvement Commission's page, or call 410-230-6231. The Commission says only MHIC-licensed contractors may enter into contracts with homeowners to perform home improvement work.
What does a good warranty look like?
It is in writing, and it says what is covered, for how long and what voids it. HomeGuide advises getting the warranty in writing before work begins and asking, "Do you offer a warranty on your work?"
Why is one quote so much lower than another?
Check the scope. One may leave out drainage, the pump or the discharge, or may name a sealer where the other names a system. HomeGuide notes that sealers "won't stop water under pressure." Interior vs exterior waterproofing
Can I get a firm price before work starts?
Yes. The written plan names the cause, the system, the scope and the price. A price set before the work starts is the price, and anything outside the written scope is agreed in writing first.
