What is the Actual Expense of Waterproofing a Basement?

Timothy Dale is a seasoned home repair specialist and author, boasting more than ten years of practical experience in construction and home enhancement. His expertise encompasses plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, installation, renovations, and project management across residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors.

Released on March 31, 2024.

Basement waterproofing allows homeowners to stop moisture from infiltrating the basement and harming the foundation walls. The average expense for this undertaking ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, with the typical cost being around $5,500. Nevertheless, the final price may vary, depending on the particular method of waterproofing employed.

Refer to this guide to learn about the various elements that can influence the expenses associated with basement waterproofing.

Waterproofing versus Damp Proofing

Waterproofing aims to entirely block moisture from the soil and water from entering the basement walls or floor. This can be accomplished using specialized protective membranes, cement coatings, and various other techniques, typically costing between $5 and $10 on average.

Basement damp proofing offers a basic level of defense against leaks and water infiltration, providing mild to moderate protection. It is useful in stopping soil moisture from penetrating the concrete, but it is less effective against significant water flow. The expense of damp proofing is generally lower than that of waterproofing, averaging between $3 and $6 per square foot.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Basement Waterproofing

Dimensions of the Basement

When creating a budget for waterproofing a basement, the initial aspect to take into account is the basement’s dimensions and configuration. A more intricate design may require additional time and materials to achieve complete waterproofing. Typically, the expenses for basement waterproofing fall between $5 and $10 for each square foot.

This implies that waterproofing a small basement of 500 square feet could range from approximately $2,500 to $5,000, whereas for a larger basement of 2,000 square feet, the expenses could rise to between $10,000 and $20,000.

Comprehensive waterproofing of a basement typically involves addressing both the interior and exterior of the property, potentially enhancing the overall square footage.

Interior versus Exterior Waterproofing

Enhancing the interior of a home with protective measures is an effective strategy to stop water from seeping into the basement. However, this approach does not safeguard the outer foundation walls, which is why comprehensive basement waterproofing usually involves both interior and exterior solutions.

• Interior waterproofing typically costs less, with prices ranging from approximately $200 to $3,000. This includes options like concrete sealing, waterproofing paint, epoxy crack injection, drainage channels along baseboards, and various other interior waterproofing techniques.
• The expenses for exterior waterproofing typically range from $1,000 to $15,000, influenced by the specific waterproofing technique employed. This process may involve the installation of weeping tiles, French drains, cement waterproofing, yard grading, or the application of membranes.

Labor

Generally, the labor cost for basement waterproofing is approximately $200 per hour. If the basement presents significant challenges, the duration of the project may extend, resulting in a greater total expense.

Type of Sealant

Typical choices for sealants are acrylic sealers, silicate sealers, and epoxy sealers.

• The price of acrylic sealers ranges from approximately $3 to $4 per square foot, positioning them as one of the more budget-friendly sealant options. These sealers offer a combination of flexibility and durability, although they can be prone to cracking or flaking as time goes on.
• Silicate sealers provide effective moisture protection, are fairly simple to apply, and are priced moderately, ranging from approximately $4 to $6 per square foot. While they are more expensive than acrylic sealers, they are more affordable than epoxy sealers.
• Epoxy sealant is an excellent choice for durable and effective waterproofing. Nevertheless, its application is more challenging compared to acrylic or silicate sealants, and it tends to be more expensive, typically ranging from $5 to $7 per square foot.

Extra Expenses for Basement Waterproofing

Licenses and Structural Restoration

Generally, the fee for a permit related to this kind of work falls between $75 and $150, but this amount can differ based on the city, town, or state. When it comes to foundation repairs, expenses can start at around $500 for minor problems and can go beyond $25,000 for significant repairs, such as addressing large horizontal cracks, resolving serious leaks, or correcting bowed walls.

Typically, you won’t need a permit to waterproof your basement. However, if the foundation shows signs of cracking, deterioration, or other forms of damage, you may need to obtain a permit for the necessary foundation repairs prior to starting the waterproofing work.

Excavation

Digging around the house might be required to implement or set up external waterproofing measures. Additionally, contractors may need to excavate the area if foundation repairs are necessary prior to commencing the waterproofing work.

The cost of excavation generally ranges from $50 to $200 for each cubic yard of soil. Alternatively, you could opt to rent the necessary equipment for approximately $75 to $350 daily and perform the excavation yourself.

Mold Removal and Treatment

A key motivation for investing in basement waterproofing is to safeguard the house against the development of mold and mildew. Nevertheless, if mold is already present, the cost for professional mold remediation services can range from $1,500 to $4,000. Experts equipped with the appropriate safety gear will be able to tackle the mold issue efficiently and promptly.

Restoration of Water Damage

All current water damage must be addressed when waterproofing a house. If the basement has experienced recent flooding, has lingering water, or has a history of water intrusion problems, it’s probable that you will need to replace the basement’s flooring, subflooring, and walls. The expenses for water damage cleanup and remediation generally range from $2,000 to $7,000, although the final amount will depend on the severity of the damage.

Cost of Basement Waterproofing by Technique

A variety of choices are available for waterproofing both indoors and outdoors, such as sealing concrete, applying waterproof coatings, installing drainage channels along baseboards, and additional methods.

• The expense for sealing concrete generally ranges from $1 to $3 for each square foot, but the precise price varies based on the kind of sealant used. This procedure establishes a durable, rubbery shield that helps to stop water from penetrating the foundation.
• Waterproof paint offers an affordable solution for waterproofing, typically ranging from $200 to $1,100. By applying this paint to the outside of the concrete foundation, you can effectively prevent moisture from the soil from penetrating.
• Interior baseboard drainage systems can be set up within a residence at a cost ranging from approximately $30 to $150 for each linear foot. These systems effectively eliminate any water that accumulates at or above the floor level along the edges of the basement.
• Interior French drains represent one of the pricier options for waterproofing inside a building. You should budget approximately $4,000 to $17,000, which translates to around $40 to $85 for each linear foot, for the installation of this subfloor drainage system.
• Sump pumps are effective for draining water from basements. The price for professional installation of these devices typically ranges from $600 to $2,500.
• Epoxy injections serve to fill and seal cracks in both floors and foundations. The expense for this waterproofing technique ranges from approximately $250 to $800 for each crack, depending on its size and depth.
• The expense for installing a vapor barrier typically ranges from $2 to $4 for each square foot. For a basement of average dimensions, this translates to a total cost of approximately $1,500 to $4,000.
• The cost of installing an exterior French drain typically varies between $30 and $90 for each linear foot. Therefore, depending on the specific home, the expense may be slightly lower or higher compared to the installation of an interior French drain.
• Installing weeping tile is an excellent choice for exterior waterproofing. The expense typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 for each side of the home, translating to approximately $10 to $35 for every linear foot.
• The installation of waterproof membranes is a widely favored option for exterior waterproofing, typically costing between $4 and $7 per square foot. Contractors utilize either a liquid membrane or a rubberized asphalt sheet membrane, applying it to the walls of the basement and the foundation footings.
• Cement waterproofing involves applying a cement-based coating to create simple patches and repairs that effectively seal cracks in foundations. The cost for this waterproofing technique typically ranges from $20 to $22 per square foot, including excavation and application.
• Waterproofing with sodium bentonite clay entails the injection of a bentonite clay slurry into the soil adjacent to the outer walls to fill in cracks. However, this method is generally viewed as a short-term solution. Expect to invest approximately $2 to $5 for each square foot of this service.
• If water consistently flows towards the house, it might be essential to grade the yard. The cost for this procedure usually ranges from approximately $500 to $3,000, depending on the extent of the work required.

Is Basement Waterproofing Necessary for You?

If you’re uncertain about the need for basement waterproofing, there are several important indicators to consider. Examine the floors, walls, and foundation to determine if waterproofing is necessary. Common signs include the presence of standing water, water stains, discoloration of drywall, cracks in the foundation, musty smells, or mineral deposits. Additionally, if you observe water accumulating in the yard, it may indicate that the basement is vulnerable to water infiltration or leaks.

Comparing the Expenses of DIY and Professional Basement Waterproofing

Taking on a DIY approach to basement waterproofing might appear to be a smart choice. Homeowners have the potential to reduce expenses by approximately $2 to $7 per square foot by managing the project on their own, rather than hiring a professional.

If basement waterproofing is not done thoroughly, the area is susceptible to leaks, mold, and flooding. Therefore, it is more economical to engage a professional waterproofing contractor to ensure your basement is safeguarded ahead of the next significant storm.

Is it beneficial to invest in basement waterproofing?

The primary goal of waterproofing a basement is to stop water from infiltrating the house, which can lead to mold development, decay, and damage to the home’s interior. Although the initial expense of this project can be significant, it is a valuable investment to protect the basement structure and the interior of the house from leaks and water-related issues.

What is the most affordable way to waterproof a basement?

Occasionally, a temporary solution can assist in handling an issue until more comprehensive measures can be implemented. One of the most affordable options for waterproofing a basement is waterproof paint, generally priced between $1 and $2 per square foot. However, it’s important to note that this approach has its limitations, so it is advisable to combine it with additional waterproofing techniques for optimal effectiveness.

Is it possible for me to make my basement waterproof on my own?

Completely waterproofing a basement is a complex task that requires precision to avoid significant harm to the property. Although certain waterproofing techniques, like using waterproof paint or fixing small leaks, can be tackled by a do-it-yourself enthusiast, it is advisable to enlist the help of a team of experts for this undertaking.