What Does Basement Waterproofing Cost?
A wet basement is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Whether it’s a finished basement that has been transformed into a bonus room for entertainment or if it’s just being used as a storage room, a wet or leaky basement can seriously damage a home, contribute to hazardous conditions and financially burden the homeowner.
A home is not meant to be damp or wet and there are certain states and cities that are more prone to leaks and floods than others. If you have experienced leaking walls, floors or cracks in your basement then you most likely need the assistance of an experienced basement waterproofing company.
Even if you’re lucky enough to have a warm and dry basement then you should probably also consider discussing basement waterproofing with a professional contractor. It’s always better to prevent a problem before it occurs. Investing in basement waterproofing will require a financial input, but the cost of preventive waterproofing is much lower than that of drying out a leaky basement, sanitizing it, finding the problem, patching the leak and then installing preventive measures.
Basement waterproofing can cost as little as $20 for small wall cracks and as much as tens of thousands of dollars for repairs and complete basement waterproofing systems.
There are different methods of basement waterproofing to choose from and different solutions are used for different homes. What may work in one home does not mean it will necessarily work in yours.
Triad Basement Waterproofing works to locate the source of a problem and fix the cause so that the problem does not repeat itself.
Costs Associated with Basement Waterproofing
So what does basement waterproofing cost? Let’s take a look at the different factors involved in the cost and what the cost involves.
Figure Out What the Problem Is
The first thing to keep in mind when considering basement waterproofing services is your motivation behind needing or wanting the services.
Are you looking for preventive measures or do you already have a problem that needs fixing?
If you have clogged or misdirected gutters and downspouts then replacing or redirecting a gutter can cost anywhere from absolutely nothing to clean out debris and redirect it, all the way up to $300 for complete replacement.
If you have a condensation issue then the main problem is probably the result of poor ventilation. If there is no heating or air conditioning in the basement, then installing a dehumidifier is a simple fix that costs around $250. If it is your water pipes that require insulation then that can cost anywhere between $50 and $100.
Once you figure out what the problem is or your main motivation behind investing in basement waterproofing you will be able to make better decisions about the services you need and what you can pay for.
Review Your Options
There are different methods of basement waterproofing for you to choose from.
The most common forms of waterproofing include interior sealants , exterior systems, and drainage.
Basic interior waterproofing is made up of waterproof coatings, silicate-based concrete sealers, and various acrylic formulas. Concrete waterproofing consists of a thick cement-like coating, which quickly adheres to masonry walls. Concrete waterproof coatings cost between $30 and $40 for 100 square feet. Silicate-based concrete sealers are only suitable for walls that have not been painted or sealed and they react with concrete or brick in order to create a hard waterproof surface. Applying these sealers can cost anywhere between $40 and $50 for 200 square feet.
Before any of these waterproof coatings and sealants are applied it is important to fix and repair any cracks that may be present in the walls, floors or on the ceiling. Special sealants can be injected into the opening to penetrate through to the exterior where they will seal off the path to potential moisture and leaks. While these sealants and waterproof coatings are meant to last a long time and they come with warranties they are not permanent solutions to big problems such as strong hydrostatic pressure that pushes against the foundation of the home.
Another way to waterproof your home is to use plastic sheets and panels in combination with an interior drainage system. They won’t exactly stop water from getting in through the wall, but they will prevent it from ruining the inside of your basement and your belongings. The water that does make its way in through the walls will run down the plastic into a drainage system in the floor and a sump pump will easily move the water out of your basement. The entire system can cost between $3,000 and $5,000 for a 20-by-20-foot basement room.
The best option for waterproofing is investing in a full-scale exterior waterproofing solution. This is also the most expensive, often costing between $15,000 and $30,000. Exterior waterproofing involves excavating around the house and installing waterproof coatings and drainage panels so water and hydrostatic pressure can’t get to the foundation of your home and inside your basement and property.
Choose a Problem-Solving Solution
When deciding on a basement waterproofing system for your home it is important to pick a problem-solving solution that will tackle moisture and leaks head-on and prevent them from reoccurring. While this solution may sometimes cost more than just a quick patch-up, it should be viewed as a long-term investment.
It’s better to spend more money on a permanent fix rather than waste money on temporary repairs that won’t hold long. Remember that one solution that is highly advertised and works for others may not necessarily fix your problem or work for your home, as each situation is unique.
Be open-minded and consult with various contractors. Companies should offer a solution specifically tailored to your home that tackles your moisture issues at the source of the leak.
Get Bids from Several Companies
Surely you are looking for the best basement waterproofing services for your home.
Picking a contractor to work with is an entire process on its own and it’s important to feel at ease with the company you ultimately hire. Hiring a contractor to perform any kind of waterproofing is a significant investment that can cost you as little as $300 for simple repairs and as high as $2,000 or $20,000 for more complex systems and solutions.
It is also very important to get several estimates from various companies so that you can find the best price for the service you need.
Make sure you know what to look for in a basement waterproofing company and how to differentiate between the companies who try too hard to sell you services you don’t need in hopes of obtaining new customers, and the good contractors who offer the best solutions at decent prices and perform good quality work.
A good contractor will perform a thorough evaluation of the inside and outside of your home in order to find the source of your basement moisture problems. If a contractor is only looking at one area as opposed to the bigger picture you should take it as a red flag. Do not allow high-pressure sales pitches to sway your decision and make sure to ask around for trusted referrals.
What the Cost Covers
The basic cost to waterproof a basement averages around $7-$7.50 per square foot in 2014. The estimate is calculated from average material costs, labor, productivity rates and national average hourly labor wages.
Your cost estimate generally includes:
- The cost of the materials required for the service as well as delivery of the equipment and transportation to and from the job site
- The cost to prepare the work site for the service including protecting the structure and materials
- The cost of cleanup and debris removal after the project has been completed
- Labor, time and minimum hourly wages
Things that are not included in the cost of your estimate include:
- General contractor fees for putting together a team and supervising the project
- Sales tax on the materials and supplies necessary for the project
- Permit and inspection fees that may be required by the local building department for your overall project
Make sure to discuss the total cost of your waterproofing services with your contractor and exactly what is and is not covered by the estimate and the total cost. It’s important to communicate openly and honestly so that there are no unpleasant surprises later on when it’s too late.
Professional Basement Waterproofing Company
If you are interested in learning more about basement waterproofing services and the costs associated with the systems and repairs make sure to connect with the experts at Triad Basement Waterproofing.
The company has more than 27 years of experience with commercial and residential structures and they have developed foolproof methods and state-of-the-art solutions for all kinds of basement issues.
Call Triad Basement Waterproofing at (888) 279 – 8819 where you can connect with our team and discuss your options for basement waterproofing and the wide range of services offered by the company.
We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you with all of your basement needs!