From mold to structural damage, water is one of the biggest threats to our homes. That makes home maintenance projects such as basement waterproofing a top concern for any homeowner worried about problems from major flooding to minor leaks.
Keeping your basement free from water is key not only to your home’s foundational structure but also to the health and safety of its occupants. As you look into waterproofing your basement, it will be important to evaluate the cost based on a range of factors from the type of problem to the method of repair and the cost for labor and materials in your area.
In this article, we’ll look at the factors impacting the cost and the ways you can save on what is oftentimes a costly fix.
What Is Basement Waterproofing?
Basement waterproofing includes any measure that prevents water from entering your basement or crawl space. Waterproofing can also refer to any measures that prevent damage caused by the presence of moisture.
Waterproofing your basement often includes two approaches: sealing the basement against the intrusion of water and ensuring proper drainage both inside and outside of the home.
Basement waterproofing is essential for every homeowner for several reasons:
- Preventing Structural Damage: When water enters our homes it can weaken the foundation, causing cracks and other major structural problems that compromise the integrity of the overall home.
- Protecting Valuables: Many of us store items in our basements, including valuables and irreplaceable items such as family heirlooms. When water enters the home – including even trace amounts of moisture – it can damage those items. Everything from upholstery to carpeting to paper products and electronics can be permanently damaged by water.
- Mitigating Health Concerns: When your basement is damp, conditions are ripe for mold growth. And certain types of mold can aggravate existing respiratory issues or cause new allergies. A home free of moisture is safer for its residents.
Common Causes of Basement Water Issues
There are a few reasons why water could be entering your home, and many of them come down to natural forces.
- Poor Drainage: The condition of your property and the soil immediately around your home has the largest impact on your foundation’s health and any potential water intrusion into your home. In some cases, yards that haven’t been graded properly might allow water to pool at the home’s perimeter where it can seep into the soil and through cracks into your basement. Poor drainage might also include gutters and downspouts that aren’t properly directing water away from the home. You might also live on a lot that has low lying spots or is situated in a flood zone. In these cases, high water levels could be a frequent and ongoing threat to the drainage of your property.
- Hydrostatic Pressure: When the soil around your home is heavy with water and moisture, it can create hydrostatic pressure on your home’s basement walls. Overtime, that groundwater can press against your concrete or masonry and cause cracks in the walls that later allow moisture in.
- Foundation Cracks: As with any home, time will contribute to the overall condition of the property as natural wear and tear takes its course. Your basement might have cracks caused by settling or the concrete may have shrunk overtime, allowing water to creep in. Regular inspections of your home’s foundation can help you to catch these and other signs of an aging basement early on.
- Storm Water: In many cases, water enters a basement through a natural disaster or standard rain storm. Everything from hurricanes and flooding to heavy rain and melting snow can add to the amount of water present on your property. Too much water for too long can overwhelm even the best drainage systems, eventually entering the basement.
Average Costs of Different Basement Waterproofing Methods
The cost of your basement waterproofing project will depend greatly on the method used to mitigate the problem. In general, homeowners can expect to spend anywhere form $500 to upwards of $10,000 for a basement waterproofing solution. However the average homeowner pays around $5,000.
But as previously stated, waterproofing is a term that encompasses simple DIY methods such as waterproof paint on the walls all the way up to installation of a new sump pump to improve interior drainage as well as major landscape overhauls to improve exterior drainage. We’ll take a look at what the most common methods cost.
Interior Waterproofing Solutions
Interior waterproofing solutions can include everything from waterproof sealants to French drains and sump pumps.
Sealants range in cost depending on the type. Acrylic and silicate sealers are similar in cost at about $3 or $4 per square foot whereas epoxy sealers can cost up to $7 per square foot. Waterproofing paint is a bit more affordable, starting at $2 to $6 per square foot.
Adding French drains inside your home is a more involved process. Typically this fix is charged by linear foot in the range of $70 to $100.
Finally, adding a sump pump to your basement in the lowest part of the foundation might be necessary for major problems. These features cost anywhere from $5,000 to $16,000 to purchase and have professionally installed. While this is one of the more expensive solutions, it’s generally considered a long-term fix to the problem.
Exterior Waterproofing Solutions
Exterior waterproofing methods vary from sealants to drainage, just like indoor solutions. Major excavation of your property will cost the most at upwards of $20,000 for the biggest, most involved projects.
Exterior sealants can cost a few thousand dollars to apply. Exterior French drains range from $8,000 to $15,000 for an entire property and are generally less expensive than interior French drains given that the excavation involves soil vs. your home’s structure. The average here is about $25 per linear foot.
It might also be advised that you grade your lawn or landscape around your home’s perimeter to redirect water flow. This can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $7,000.
Exterior sump pumps are also recommended to pump and remove water from low spots in your yard out to the street where city sewers can take the water away.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Basement Waterproofing
Several factors influence the total cost of your waterproofing project. And many contractors will charge for your project by the square foot, meaning size is perhaps the biggest factor in the equation.
Contractors will charge anywhere from $3.50 to $8 per square foot to waterproof your basement. That’s a range that encompasses all methods of waterproofing.
Of course, the next largest factor on your overall cost will be the method of waterproofing used. Coating your entire basement in waterproof sealant will be less expensive and less involved than installing a new drainage system throughout, for example.
Next, the severity of your problem is a major indicator of the overall cost. The more serious the water problem in your basement, the more expensive the fix will be in general.
Finally, where you live in the country will impact the cost of the project for two reasons. The first is that labor and materials cost more or less depending on where in the country you live and how accessible these resources are. The next reason is that inclement weather and climate can impact the ways in which contracts can work on your property and what it will take to get the job done. If you live in a part of the country that experiences severe rainstorms in summer or intense snowfall in winter, getting these jobs done can require added experience, resources, and time, driving up costs.
Additional Costs to Consider
Keep in mind that many local municipalities require permitting for certain types of involved basement waterproofing. These permits, while not expensive, can cost up to $500 and might also require inspections.
If during the course of the waterproofing project, you learn of a mold problem or structural issue, you will likely have to pay more to fix these problems before waterproofing, which is strictly a preventative measure. Mold remediation can cost upwards of $4,000 depending on the extent and structural repairs can cost more than twice that if severe.
Cost Comparison of DIY vs. Professional Waterproofing
In most cases, doing a project yourself will be less expensive than hiring a professional. But it’s also safe to say that hiring a professional is often the most cost effective solution long-term when you consider their expertise and included warranties on their work.
Investing in a professional solution can also cut down on future maintenance costs and can work to improve your home’s resale value when done properly and to the highest standards.
There are other ways to save on the cost of waterproofing your basement that require less expertise. Performing regular maintenance around your home can prevent water intrusion in your basement. It is recommended that you clean your gutters and downspouts regularly and monitor drainage on your property. Early detection is key in mitigating the overall costs of a repair, so be sure to act quickly if you notice water or moisture in your basement.
If you end up needing to hire a professional to do the work, be sure to get quotes from multiple companies to compare and decide on the best price. You can use our contractor database to find qualified professionals in your area. Finally, ask each contractor about any financing options that can help to mitigate the upfront costs of an expensive repair.
Waterproofing your basement is not just about protecting your home. It’s also an investment in your future and your safety. By understanding the factors impacting the costs of these fixes, you’ll be better prepared to make the right decision when it comes to addressing the issue and evaluating the costs.
