According to statistics, 60% of homes in the US have basements with moisture problems.
If you have a leaky, damp basement, then you are probably wondering what is the cost to waterproof a basement.
Excessive moisture levels in your basement can lead to structural damage, decreased home value, and mold and bacteria growth. Mold and bacteria growing in your basement are health hazards and can exacerbate health problems such as asthma.
To avoid these consequences it is crucial that you get your basement waterproofed as soon as possible. But before you do this, it is just as important to get a budget in place for the fix, so that you can plan for the expense.
If you need to get your basement waterproofed asap, and need to get an idea of what it will cost—read on. Because we are about to share with you all the factors that are involved in the final cost, as well as average costs for basement repairs.
Average Cost to Waterproof a Basement
First up, let’s take a look at some average costs of waterproofing a basement. According to the online estimates and calculators, waterproofing a basement can cost on average anywhere between $1,920 and $6,493.
Per square foot, the average cost is $3 to $10.
For minor fixes, costs can be as low as around $600, while at the same time extensive and involved waterproofing jobs can set some homeowners back by as much as $10,000.
Of course, there is a big difference in paying $600 and $10,000, so let’s take a look at some of the variables that will influence the exact cost of your repair so that you can draw up a relatively accurate budget.
How to Estimate the Cost of Your Basement Waterproofing
There are quite a few different elements to consider when estimating the cost of waterproofing your basement. This is because the ultimate cost will depend on the size of your basement, what the underlying issue is, and what it will take to fix it.
Figure out Where the Issue Is Coming From
The first thing to ascertain is where the source of the moisture is coming from.
Excess moisture in your basement could come from several things, including:
- Improperly installed or missing downpipes and gutters
- Interior activities such as drying large amounts of laundry
- Leaking water pipes
- Cracked foundations
- Improperly graded slopes around your house
- Groundwater
- Badly designed window wells
Once you can determine which of these is causing the moisture, you will be better able to estimate how much it will cost to be fixed.
Understand the Different Solutions
There are a variety of solutions that can be used in tandem or separately, depending on the severity and the cause of the damp problem in your basement.
Dehumidifiers
For very minor moisture problems, you can choose to buy a dehumidifier. This can be effective for mild internal sources of moisture, such as laundry drying, and will generally cost between $1,300 and $2,000 to install. However, on its own, a humidifier won’t be able to tackle serious damp problems.
In fact, utilizing a humidifier to remedy a damp problem that is coming from the exterior can actually cause further damage. By drying out the air within the basement, this can effectively, ‘suck’ more water through the walls, which can result in efflorescence, concrete spalling, and further damage to interior finishes.
Waterproofing Products
You can also choose to use a waterproofing paint, sealant, or other product on the interior of your basement to stop moisture wicking through the walls. This is a simple and cost-effective solution, with costs lying between $20 and $200 per can of paint, plus labor charges.
However, it is best utilized along with other prevention methods. By applying a waterproof coating to the interior of your basement, you might be able to keep moisture out, but it will still sit in the walls and foundations—which is not ideal.
Proper Installation of Downpipes and Gutters
If your downpipes and gutters are improperly installed, damaged or completely missing, this will act to direct all of the water coming from your roof directly into your foundations and through to your basement.
Installing new gutters and downpipes can cost you anywhere between $550 and $1,350 depending on your home’s size. However, if you already have some guttering in place that merely needs to be fixed, the costs might be decreased.
Installation of Window Well Drains
If the source of your basement’s water problems is improperly designed window wells, you can choose to install window drains. This can cost anywhere between $500 and $2,000 but is a highly effective solution if the basement’s windows are the root cause of your problem.
Grading
If the lawn around your home slopes directly towards the house, this could be leading surface water into your foundations and exacerbating the damp problems. If you are not against having your garden graded, you might be able to re-slope some areas for between $900 and $3,000.
However, take note that this solution on its own is generally not effective.
French Drain Installation
Exterior French drains are an effective method for transporting water away before it reaches your basement. These drains run around the perimeter of your foundations and will generally cost between $1000 and $1500 per 50 feet.
You can also install interior French drains within your basement, however, these generally cost more.
Sump Pump Installation
Installing a sump pump is another highly effective fix for damp basements, especially if combined with a subfloor pressure relief system. Sump pump installations are estimated to generally cost between $500 and $1100, depending on the number of pumps required and the brand used.
If you do not have a pressure relief system in your basement, then you will need to get a subfloor pressure relief system along with a sump pump installed.
Foundation Crack Repair
If you have cracks in your foundation through which water is seeping into your basement, you will do some foundation crack repair.
This can cost anywhere between $500 to $1,000 or more depending on the number of cracks and the quality of the crack repair job and materials used.
Final Tip: Find a Great Contractor That You Can Trust
Once you know roughly what it will cost to waterproof a basement, our last tip is to find a contractor that you can trust. Nobody likes to spend hard-earned cash just to receive sub-par results.
If you need to find a contractor in Baltimore or Rockville that is reliable and ethical, then call us today for a free inspection. We are a family-owned business, with over 20 years of experience in the basement waterproofing industry, committed to our customers and our service.
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