The cost of waterproofing a basement is in the range of $3,000 to $7,000, and on average, it is $5,500. This process keeps the wood dry and protects the foundation walls. Prices are determined by the method used for sealing and the success of the repairs.
Do you have a water problem in your basement? There are waterproofing solutions available to solve these issues and protect your house structure. Here we will detail all the factors that determine the price of waterproofing in this guide.
Things like crack sealing or drain installation directly impact the total cost. Simple problems are less expensive, while complex solutions are quite high. Being fully informed about the specifics can enable you to plan the investment.
Waterproofing vs. Damp Proofing
Waterproofing is a procedure to fight water that neither the soil nor the water coming from the basement walls or floors can stop. It includes the usage of protective membranes, cement coatings, and various other methods which would usually cost from $5 to $10 per square foot. This approach is suitable for regions with high water levels.
The process of dampproofing implements a certain level of defense from moisture and minor leaks. It is designed to prevent ground moisture from seeping through the concrete but it is not performing well against flowing water. It is more economical than the method of waterproofing, on average, it is around $3 to $6 per square foot.
The right choice between waterproofing and damp proofing will be determined by your requirements. If there is a need for the intensive method then you will have to apply waterproofing while dampproofing is only needed for the lightest moisture problems.
Basement Waterproofing Cost Factors
Regularly, the cost of basement waterproofing is around $4,920. This, nonetheless, can be dissimilar for each set of variables. Here are several factors that lead to the surge or reduction of basement waterproofing costs:
Basement Size and Layout
Basement size is the key factor influencing the cost of waterproofing, so knowing the size of the basement is important. So, it is much better to get more materials and time in case of the larger basements to fix this problem. However, if there is any option that will greatly affect the price, this is the size.
| Basement Size | Waterproofing Cost |
| 500 square feet | $2,500 to $5,000 |
| 750 square feet | $3,800 to $7,500 |
| 1,000 square feet | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| 1,250 square feet | $6,300 to $12,500 |
| 1,500 square feet | $7,500 to $15,000 |
| 2,000 square feet | $10,000 to $20,000 |
Interior vs. Exterior Waterproofing
The larger the basement, the more costly it is to waterproof it. The bigger basements require a bigger number of materials, as well as a longer time for repairs. The leakage also matters, but it is the size that makes the most impact on the total cost.
Interior waterproofing is a method to prevent water from penetrating your basement using mending cracks, coatings, or putting up drainage systems internally. It is mostly a form of solution used for which you would usually only pay between $200 and $3,000 depending on the method and basement size.
Exterior waterproofing is a process that works by preventing water from getting inside the house, while, additionally, protecting the foundation. It includes putting in more effort, like installing French drains, laying on waterproof barriers, and adjusting the yard slope to get water out. The technique is more expensive, and the costs can rise from $1,000 to $15,000 as the projects are larger.
Labor and Location
Labor is a major cost in basement waterproofing. Contractors usually charge between $3 and $8 per square foot for their work. This price is often included in the total quote, and homeowners can check local prices by searching for “basement waterproofing near me.”
Where you live can affect the cost. In areas with a low cost of living, the price is often lower. But in areas that have a high cost of living or are prone to flooding, the price can be higher. Contractors in these areas may charge more because there is more demand for their services.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Issues related to basement waterproofing of the foundation footings can have a bad impact on all the activities in a building. When labor and the method are the main expenses, some other factors can come into play as well. The bottom line is that the additional work that is required, the more expensive the whole project will be.
Sealant Type
Waterproofing of the basement floor and the eight types of sealants are the main concerns you have to be sure of before choosing a waterproofing sealer for the basement. Various sealants have different costs, advantages, and lifetimes.
- Epoxy Sealer: It provides a very durable waterproofing solution with a great deal of flexibility in terms of crack repair for a long time, usually 5-7 years. This is the basic offer, while the price can be up to $7 per sq. ft. if the project has a large scope.
- Acrylic Sealer: This is a flexible and low-cost alternative that can be bought for about $3 to $4 per square foot. Lasting for up to 6-15 years, this acrylic sealer will develop cracks along with the flaking of the surface layer after the finishing of the set period.
- Silicate Sealer: This is more expensive but more effective and recommended for larger projects. It costs $4 to $6 per square foot. The silicate sealing products are cheaper and easier to maintain, but in terms of performance, epoxy sealers are more effective in keeping moisture out of the floor.
Types of Basement Waterproofing Methods
There are several methods used to waterproof a basement, each catering to different needs and preferences. Here are some of the most common techniques:
| Basement Waterproofing Method | Average Cost |
| Cement waterproofing | $1,000 to $1,500 |
| Foundation membrane | $15,000 |
| Weeping tiles | $1,000 to $10,000 |
| Bentonite clay | $3 to $4 per square foot |
| Coatings | $3 to $12 per square foot |
| Silicate concrete sealers | $3 to $9 per square foot |
| Paint | $30 to $40 per gallon |
| Vapor barrier | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| Baseboard channels | $30 per linear foot |
| Subfloor drain tile system | $25 to $55 per square foot |
Do You Need Basement Waterproofing?
Having any water in your basement or experiencing a damp and musty odor is a signal that your area might need waterproofing. Slowly water weakens the walls and the foundation of your home, which eventually will result in bigger and more severe issues. Waterproofing will enable the water to enter, keeping the basement dry and safe.
Waterproofing becomes more critical for areas of heavy downpours or high water tables in that it is the only way to keep water out and therefore mold and structural damage. Being proactive and taking an extra step to waterproof your basement now may be a bit costly, but that’s how much it will save you from future financial stress.
DIY vs. Professional Basement Waterproofing Costs
DIY Waterproofing: Compared to the $3-$10 per square foot repair expenses depending on the size of the cracks, the average cost to renovate and restore a house may be between $4,500.00-$1,500,000.
Professional Waterproofing: If you’re hiring a contractor, the minimum cost will be approximately $200.00 for a single-ply roof.
How to Pay for and Save Money on Basement Waterproofing
Paying for basement waterproofing can be expensive, but there are ways to save money or find affordable options. Here are some tips:
- Get Multiple Quotes: Speak with different contractors to see which of them can offer you the best prices and services thus you can get a better option as far as the price is concerned.
- Consider Financing: It is possible for some companies that offer lending plans, to break up payment into a few more installments.
- Look for Discounts or Promotions: Be sure to catch the news about any discounts or promotions that the different waterproofing companies offer at different times of the year.
- DIY Some Parts: The necessity of capable working personnel, also, is the fact that you could reduce the initial condition of the job, by taking over less demanding tasks. This means that you can also diminish the costs of the work by sealing the cracks by yourself.
- Preventive Maintenance: One of the preventive measures may be to keep your lower level area in good shape by frequently cleaning the gutters, and making sure all the cracks are sealed and that the water can drain freely through the underground piping to the river.
By planning and exploring options, you can reduce the cost of basement waterproofing while still protecting your home.
Final Words
Waterproofing your basement is an important step you must take to protect your house from water damage. The amount that can be charged for the cost depends on various factors such as the size of the basement, the location, and the method of waterproofing selected. Although the DIY options might seem appealing for their lower price, professional service providers will give you a long-term solution and peace of mind.
Compare the benefits that a professional waterproofing company can bring to ensure waterproofing is done right. Though initial expenses might be bigger, the investment pays back by avoiding costly damage in the future. Having a good plan, you’ll be able to keep your basement clean and your home out of danger for decades to come.
FAQS
Q1. How much does it cost to waterproof a basement?
Typically, the basement’s giveaways would be about $4, 920. Notwithstanding, the expenses may range from $200 to $15,000 depending on the method as well as the size of the basement.
Q2. What factors affect basement waterproofing costs?
The cost of basement renovation would vary depending on the size and roofing method applied and even labor rates. Besides, a job that is more complex or a larger basement will result in higher costs.
Q3. Is DIY basement waterproofing cheaper?
A DIY waterproofing job serves as a cost-benefit in the beginning since it gives a probability of charging between $3 and $10 per square foot. Alternatively, if the do-it-yourself approach is done poorly, it might lead to further repairs.
Q4. How much do professional waterproofing services cost?
The professional services budget can be between $1,000 and $15,000. The price depends to a large extent on the type of waterproofing and the basement situation.
Q5. Are there additional costs for basement waterproofing?
Yes, there are available services to include sealants, drainage systems, and repairs. The costs are dependent on the difficulty of the project.
