Savannah’s humid subtropical climate, low elevation, and high water table create a constant demand for waterproofing services. The city receives an average of 50 inches of rain per year, and many homes and commercial buildings in historic districts (e.g., Victorian District, Starland, Midtown) are older structures with aging foundations, basements, and crawl spaces. Flooding risks are elevated in areas like the islands (Tybee, Whitemarsh) and neighborhoods near the Savannah River. Common waterproofing needs include basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, foundation crack repair, sump pump installation, exterior drainage solutions, and commercial flat roof waterproofing. Competition exists, but many local contractors are generalists. Specializing in residential or historic property waterproofing can help you stand out. The market is steady year-round, with peak demand in spring and fall when heavy rains are most likely.
You must register your business with the Georgia Secretary of State’s Corporations Division. Choose a structure (LLC recommended for liability protection) and file the appropriate articles. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Register with the Georgia Department of Revenue for state tax purposes.
In Georgia, waterproofing is often classified under “Residential” or “General Contractor” licensing. For jobs over $2,500 (labor and materials), you need a state license from the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. Check if your work falls under “Waterproofing” as a specialty trade – some cities require additional local permits. Savannah/Chatham County may require a business tax certificate and a contractor’s license from the City of Savannah. Contact the Savannah Development and Permitting Department for specifics: they issue building permits for structural waterproofing work. Always carry general liability insurance (minimum $1M) and workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.
Register for a Savannah Business Tax Certificate (occupation tax) with the Revenue Division. You’ll also need to comply with Chatham County’s solid waste and stormwater fees if you operate a physical office.
Go to google.com/business and claim your profile. Use your exact business name (e.g., “Savannah Shield Waterproofing”). Choose the category “Waterproofing Contractor” – if not available, select “General Contractor” then add services. Verify by postcard or phone.
Send a review link to every customer after completing a job. Respond to all reviews – thank positive ones and professionally address negative ones. Aim for 15+ reviews within the first 3 months to build credibility.
Target phrases like “basement waterproofing Savannah,” “crawl space encapsulation Savannah GA,” “foundation repair near me,” “Savannah waterproofing company,” “flood prevention Savannah,” “historic home waterproofing.” Use Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find local volume. Focus on long-tail keywords with local intent.
List your business in high-authority local directories: Savannah Chamber of Commerce, Yelp, Angi, HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack, Nextdoor, and Georgia-specific directories like Georgia Contractors Directory. Ensure NAP consistency across all listings.
Get backlinks from Savannah-based real estate agents, home inspection companies, and local builders. Offer to write a guest post for a Savannah real estate blog. Sponsor a local Little League team or a community event – you’ll get a link from their website.
To rank in the Map Pack (the top 3 local results), your business needs high proximity to the searcher. Use a physical address in central Savannah (e.g., near 37th Street or Eisenhower Drive) to serve the whole metro area. Encourage customers to check in or tag your location in social media posts.
Prices in Savannah are influenced by the age of homes, labor costs, and competition. Typical ranges (as of 2025):
Offer free estimates (common in Savannah market) and package deals (e.g., crawl space + sump pump). Charge a trip fee of $50–75 for remote areas like Tybee Island. Consider seasonal discounts in winter when demand dips. Always provide itemized written quotes with payment terms (50% deposit, balance upon completion
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