How Much Does Basement Waterproofing Cost?
Basement waterproofing is one of those things that can save you a lot of money in the long run if you’re proactive. There are a variety of measures you can take to mitigate waterproofing costs so that you aren’t blindsided by basement waterproofing down the road. We advise budgeting between $5-$10 per square foot to start off with and then padding your budget by doing your research to price out different options.
From pricing the best sump pump for your basement to helping you navigate those hidden costs that might catch you by surprise, our experts are ready to service you with the basement waterproofing knowledge you need.
Basement Waterproofing Costs from the Outside
There are waterproofing costs that you’ll want to consider both outside and inside your home. Starting on the outside – take a look at your foundation material – are you dealing with a solid concrete foundation or a concrete block foundation? If it’s the latter, water can seep between the cracks and cause water damage. If it’s the former, concrete walls can crack, letting moisture leak through and cause a moldy basement. Exterior waterproofing can be the first line of defense against water damage and incurring basement waterproofing costs.
Depending on your foundation structure, where you live, and the type of soil your foundation sits on, there are several basement waterproofing options available.
A liquid waterproofing membrane can cost anywhere between $3.00 – $6.00 per square foot and is a great option for waterproofing because there aren’t any seams between the panels so water can’t sneak in. Exterior French drains are also a more cost-effective option at $10.00 – $15.00 per linear foot as they help to direct water away from your foundation and protect your home from the damaging effects of excess water.
If your contractor can’t access your concrete basement walls from the inside, they may need to turn to excavation outside to assess the damage and waterproof the area. Depending on how easily your contractor can access the walls and the depth of your foundation, excavation can cost anywhere from $100 – $200 per square linear foot, but it will result in a basement waterproofing solution for an entire wall or problem areas depending on your need.
Basement Waterproofing Costs from the Inside
While waterproofing the outside of your foundation is important, make sure you budget waterproofing costs for the inside of your basement first. You may be able to prevent excessive moisture with a sump pump or dehumidifier, or you might need to consider putting up a vapor barrier, especially if you’re dealing with a crawl space instead of a basement.
Purchasing a sump pump for your basement waterproofing can cost between $2,000 – $4,000 depending on the size and model. A sump pump is a must-have if your basement has experienced flooding in the past because it removes the water that comes through your basement wall. The most important thing to remember when considering basement waterproofing costs from the inside is that you want to find the best way to get rid of any water in your basement. In many cases, a reliable drainage system is your first line of defense because it will keep water from ever reaching your basement interior.
Basement Waterproofing Costs: The Extras
There are other costs that factor into the waterproofing costs discussion. Unless you’re a sump pump or foundation expert, you’ll need to budget for labor costs. Those can depend on the contractor and the cost of labor in your area. You’ll also want to think about the time of year because it may be more expensive to get certain materials and systems installed during busy seasons. Some contractors may price out projects based on the square footage of your basement or they may take your home’s age into consideration.
It’s also a good idea to budget for any minor and major repairs that may come down the line. Few systems are one-hundred percent foolproof and there is always the chance that something will pop up that you weren’t prepared for.
Contact My Foundation Repairs today to get a free quote for basement waterproofing. We can help you determine the best system, different remedy options, and what is best for your family’s budget and situation.