Basement Waterproofing Cost - What Can You Expect?

One of the first questions any homeowner asks when considering waterproofing their basement is "How much does basement waterproofing cost?" Make no mistake, waterproofing a basement can be expensive, but there are some things you should do before getting out your wallet.

Did you know that in many instances, waterproofing might not even be needed? Unless you have water coming through the walls and filling your basement every time it rains, you may have some other issue causing the problems.

Check to see if your guttering and downspouts are properly draining away from your foundation. How is the grading around your home? Does it slop away from the foundation?

If you have a seepage problem, check to see where it's coming from. It could be around a basement window.

If you have established that you in fact have a drainage problem and need to waterproof the basement you have some options.

• Waterproofing Paint - This is the quickest and least expensive form of waterproofing a basement. A gallon of waterproofing paint will run about $25. This may be all you need to stop the leakage, but if you have more serious problems don't waste your money on it. You need a professional.
  
  
• Drainage Kits - These kits go around the basement wall on the floor and allow water to drain to your sump pump. At a cost of around $11 a foot, it is another possible solution that does work in many cases.
  
  
• Install Floor Drains And Sump Pump - You have the option of busting up the concrete all around your basement walls and installing a drain system. You'll have to put gravel or other materials in between the soil and foundation, as well as install a sump pump. In most cases you will be looking at around $5,000 to do it yourself. A waterproofing contractor will bring the total up to around $10,000.

If you go with a complete waterproofing system like one from B-Dry, the total could be $13,000 and up.

As you can see, basement waterproofing costs can vary greatly. There is no one set rate, and every home will be different. But first be sure you actually need it before making a commitment. Then if you need to have waterproofing, take the right steps.

Unless you are doing all the work yourself, be sure you get written estimates from at least 3 different waterproofing companies. Make sure they also write down a starting date, time to complete and all details of the work they will perform.