How Much Does It Cost To Waterproof Your Basement?

A basement is a fantastic addition to any home. The extra storage space is fantastic, and if you build the basement, you’ll have another location for folks to congregate or entertain guests. If your basement isn’t Waterproof, however, you risk having water leak in and mold growth.

Basement waterproofing is something to consider. According to data, moist basements are found in 60% of homes in the United States. You’re probably wondering how much it will cost to waterproof your basement if it’s wet and leaky..

In this article, we will look at how much it costs to Waterproof your, why you should know how much it costs to waterproof your basement, why you should do it, the results, the elements that affect it, the cost to waterproof a home, and when you should hire a pro.

Why Do You Need to Know How Much Waterproofing a Basement Costs?

When you’re having work done on your house, you’ll want to know how much it will cost. This is due to the fact that you must budget for it. Budgeting is simple for some people, and money is readily available.

Others may need to reorganize their belongings or save money in order to complete the work. When you know how much something will cost, you can decide whether you can afford it, whether you need it, and how long you will need to save the money.

Reasons to Waterproof a Basement

1. No More Flooding Nightmares

In 2019, floods affected more than 13 million people in the United States. Flooding is more common in regions that are exposed to or close to big bodies of water. Even if you don’t live near a body of water, you can be affected.

One of the reasons you should waterproof your basement is to protect your home and valuables against flooding. Flooding is a regular occurrence in homes under extreme weather conditions. Spring and autumn are the peak seasons for occurrences.

Another reason to waterproof the basement to minimize flooding is that it can aid in the prevention of mold growth. The basement should be kept cool and dry. If you observe that this isn’t the case, you should prepare for flooding.

2. Prevent Foundation Damage

You can get your basement waterproofed instead of spending thousands of dollars on foundation repairs. Water and soil can eat their way through the basement foundation over time. Ground pressures can also wreak havoc on your basement.

You’ll see cracks in the walls and locations where water has gotten through when this happens.

Your basement is exposed if it isn’t waterproofed, and it can cause serious damage throughout the house. It’s a small investment to put money into the waterproofing. It’s also a better alternative to waiting for the walls to fall down.

Repairing foundation problems might also help you save money on your heating expenditures. Cold air will be able to get in through all of the cracks in the walls.

3. Get Rid of Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are unwelcome visitors to any home. Because you won’t have to worry about mold growing in your basement, it’s well worth the money.

If this has been a problem in your house, you may notice a difference in your breathing once the work is completed. If left unchecked, mold and mildew can cause a variety of health problems.

Your basement can be sealed to keep moisture out and keep your family safe. Mold and mildew won’t be able to grow and return if moisture can’t get into your home.

4. Lower Energy Bills

Have you noticed an increase in your energy and heating bills? Cracks in the basement foundation are one of the most common causes of energy waste. Water and cooler air can leak inside if the foundation is compromised.

You may find that the thermostat needs to be set higher than usual if this occurs. You may also find that a basement that isn’t well-ventilated generates extra heat and humidity. It can be tough to cool down and maintain control in these circumstances.

Waterproofing your basement will help to ensure that your money is spent on working utilities. Although some individuals believe that waterproofing is an expensive investment, you will quickly recoup your costs.

5. Raise the Value of Your Home

One of the best reasons to waterproof your basement is that it will increase the value of your home. Basements that haven’t been treated don’t assist you to sell your house for more money. A waterproof basement can help you raise the value of your home by up to 25%!

If a home has a history of flooding and water problems, it will be difficult to sell. History may dissuade prospective buyers. You can give them peace of mind by resolving these issues from the basement, and you can work out a compromise.

When you spend money on the house and repairs, it affects the overall worth of your home. When it comes time to sell your home, this tiny investment will pay for itself.

Effects of Water in the Basement

Mold

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Mold will grow in the basement, resulting in health and structural problems. To clear the mold in the basement, you’ll need a N95 mask, protective glasses, protective gear, and gloves, among other things.

Stopping the mold’s source, cleaning the region, and drying the surfaces are all things you’ll be doing.

Because mold spores will drop on the concrete in the basement and spread, you may find mold there.

Rotting Wood

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The water will cause rotting timber in the basement. To deal with any mold or mildew issues, you’ll need to wear protective clothing, just as you did when cleaning it before. It’s a good idea to consult a specialist to see whether anything structural has been harmed.

Damaged Walls and Floors

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Any water that enters the basement will harm the walls and floors. You’ll need to hire an expert to assess the damage and determine what can be preserved and what must be repaired.

Three Factors That Will Affect the Cost to Waterproof a Basement

Size of the Basement

Drainage costs are normally calculated per linear footage by professionals. If the previous owner didn’t waterproof the basement, there’s a good chance there’s water in there, and you’ll have to budget for ripping down drywall and installing new flooring.

You’ll need an estimate because it’ll be virtually like a demolition.

Age of the Home Determines Cost to Waterproof a Basement

A house built after the 1960s will almost certainly have drainage holes in the footing. The average cost per linear foot is $50-60. Fast track drainage is required for homes built prior to the 1960s and costs between $70-80 per linear foot.

Foundation Type

Water will leak in between the cracks in the concrete block, filling the hollow holes. To allow drainage, you or a professional can drill weep holes in the lowest block.

Cost to Waterproof a Basement

Waterproofing a basement might cost anything from $1000-$6,000 and above. Some of the amount will go toward home repairs and additions, as stated below, and it may vary depending on the conditions listed above.

Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier can be used to solve a minor problem in a small space. This could be for dampness that accumulates in the home while drying laundry. It will not, however, work for a bigger region.

Cost: For a small space, a dehumidifier might cost up to $150. It is feasible to cost over $2000 for one that covers a huge region. Before you invest the money, consult a specialist to determine if it would assist.

Waterproofing Products

Did you know that waterproofing treatments like paint, sealants, and others can keep moisture out of your walls? They may be suitable for small spaces, but they may not last as long as they should.

Cost: Between $20 and $200 each can of paint, plus labor costs.

Install Downspouts or Gutters

As indicated in the problems section, a home with missing downspouts or gutters can lead to moisture in the basement. Also, if you already have gutters, you may only require repairs (or a cleaning), which is a lot less expensive.

Cost: Depending on the size of the house, downspouts and gutters might cost anywhere from $500 to $1400 or more.

Weep Holes in Windows

Check for a good well drain or weep hole in the windows. If it doesn’t, water seeps in through the cracks in the windowsill, causing wood rot. If your windows don’t have a weep hole, they’re probably old and need to be replaced.

Cost: Replacement windows can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000, depending on the size and style.

Grading in the Yard

Another option is to use landscaping such as various types of vegetation, gravel, swale, pavers, and a rain barrel to keep water away from the house and from pooling.

Cost: Leveling the land can cost anywhere from $1000-$3000, but adding plants, gravel, a swale, or a rain barrel will be less expensive. Pavers would also be a wonderful addition in terms of aesthetics.

Install a French Drain

Because it necessitates the use of a jackhammer to break up the concrete, this is an expensive addition to an existing home. However, if you are building a home, it is advisable to install it at that time because it will add roughly $1500 to the cost of the foundation.

Cost: On a pre-existing home, a french drain might cost up to $7,000 to install.

Exterior Weeping Tiles

These are plastic pipes that collect water before it reaches the wall and are located outside the home.

Cost: The pipe, gravel, and external membrane cost $100 per foot.

Sump Pump (outside of the state of Florida)

A sump pump is a particularly effective way to drain groundwater out of a home with a basement. It pulls water from a water collection basin and discharges it into the yard.

This is considerably more effective when combined with a subfloor pressure relief device. This directs the water to a number of sump pumps.

Cost: A sump pump can cost anywhere from $500 to $1100, depending on the number of pumps required in the residence.

Crack in Foundation

Contact an expert to inspect the foundation if you suspect there is a crack. Some issues can be resolved on your own, while others will necessitate the assistance of a professional. Furthermore, there are a variety of reasons why this occurs, therefore a specialist can assist with the diagnosis.

Cost: Depending on the size of the fracture, the cost ranges from $500 to $1,000.

Missing Concrete Vapor Barrier

What if the vapor barrier made of concrete is missing? Regrettably, this will be a costly fix. Some folks will remove the flooring and install CrownCote, an epoxy vapor barrier that is applied to the concrete.

Others, on the other hand, may remove the flooring, create a moisture barrier, and then re-pour them. Of course, this necessitates the involvement of a specialist.

When to Call a Professional

Contact a professional to assist you in developing a waterproofing strategy for your home. We think that when we buy a house, the previous owner put things in place to prevent problems like water in the basement.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and we are left with the bill. This is also why getting a home inspection before buying a house is crucial.

Conclusion

Waterproofing a basement is a time-consuming and difficult task. Patience will be required as the best house option is investigated. Are you unsure where to begin or what you should do? During your home inspection in Chicago, IL., and the surrounding areas, Home Inspection Geeks will inspect your basement.

FAQs How Much Does It Cost To Waterproof Your Basement?

There are a variety of options for waterproofing your basement, including:

Adding interior coatings.
Cutting drains into the floor.
Regarding your exterior landscape.
Installing a waterproof membrane on the outside of your foundation.

The majority of homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover the cost of waterproofing. Insurance may not cover damages from floods or water seepage, so it may not be the best solution to your water problem.