1. Observe and protect
Start by documenting what's happening in the Champaign home, limiting further damage where it's safe, and gathering relevant history.
2. Evaluate the house and site
Grading, roof discharge, hydrostatic pressure, a cracked wall, a floor-to-wall joint, or plain humidity can each produce the same damp Champaign basement, which is why the cause has to be pinned down before picking a fix.
3. Define a written scope
A Champaign scope should nail down preparation, protection, materials, access, permits, testing, cleanup, finish restoration, exclusions, and change-order handling.
4. Compare providers
Look past the bottom line on a Champaign proposal -- verify credentials and weigh the reasoning and boundaries behind the number.
5. Inspect closeout
Before a Champaign project is considered done, confirm the testing results, cleanup, paperwork, warranties, and any maintenance still left to you.