No matter what kind of project you are tackling, your general contractor should have a good track record of completed work and satisfied customers. Search for the best general contractors in Washington, D.C., and look for positive customer reviews and project photos that are similar to your project. 

Make sure your general contractor has the proper license, insurance and registration. You can ask pros to send you this information, or you can search for it online. 

Hire a D.C. contractor after you receive cost estimates from at least three or five general contractors.

Waterproofing a basement costs between $500 and $3,500, on average. The cost depends on several factors, including the type and extent of waterproofing, as well as the amount of labor involved to complete the job. For example, the labor cost to apply concrete sealer is about $3-$12 per square foot. And adding an interior drainage system costs approximately $700-$2,600.

There are a number of different pros who perform basement waterproofing, including specialized contractors and companies. Your best bet to ensure your basement’s waterproofing gets done the right way is to search for local professionals who can perform the service. This is easy on Thumbtack, where you can enter your zip code and the desired service, and then make your selection after viewing customer ratings, reviews and project photos.

Waterproofing your basement can help you prevent major water damage caused by heavy rains — which means you won’t have to pay for expensive water damage restoration services. Waterproofing systems also prevent basement flooding and protect your possessions. And by keeping your basement dry, you can also prevent mold growth (and avoid having to pay for mold remediation services). Finally, your basement floor may last longer, your sump pump will work less and your home’s foundation will be more protected if you have a sound waterproofing system.

It is far more effective to waterproof a basement from the outside through exterior waterproofing measures, such as installing drain tiles, excavating your soil and installing and cleaning gutters. 

The term “interior waterproofing” is something of a misnomer because any steps taken in the basement’s interior are more to mitigate damage from water that has already made it through the foundation. Water is best stopped at the source — that is, it is best stopped from ever entering the concrete foundation by exterior waterproofing. However, interior waterproofing is still an important and effective step to take.

Homeowners insurance doesn’t typically cover basement waterproofing. However, many policies do cover water damage under certain situations. For example, if there’s been a sudden accident such as a bursting pipe, a standard homeowners insurance policy may cover the cost of repairs. On the other hand, the policy likely won’t cover water damage caused by poor home maintenance. Check your policy and chat with a professional to find out what your homeowners insurance covers.

Basement waterproofing is the process of using various materials and techniques to keep water from infiltrating a house or building’s basement. Basements tend to be quite vulnerable to rises in the water table or to events like heavy rains. Waterproofing a below-ground basement might involve applying sealant materials to keep water out, as well as installing drains and sump pumps to remove water. Basement waterproofing is best performed during construction but is often done retroactively as well.

There are several great options for waterproof basement flooring. For example, epoxy floors are waterproof but are thicker and sturdier than paint. Make sure the concrete substrate has been prepared for application. 

Tile is a designer’s dream, giving you a moisture-resistant surface that’s infinitely customizable. Rubber sheets or tiles are also good waterproof options, particularly for playrooms, workout areas or laundry rooms. 

Vinyl tiles and planks imitate wood or other materials very convincingly, provide moisture resistance and last a long time. And sheet vinyl is affordable and a great waterproofing solution for those in need of quick fixes.

When you’re having your basement waterproofed, it’s important to use the right materials for the job. A professional might coat your interior walls with masonry waterproofing products, such as sealants. The pro might also couple this with other exterior waterproofing methods, such as properly installing gutters, downspouts and drainage ditches. Talk to a basement waterproofing company near you to find out what method(s) they will use to waterproof your basement walls.

The best way to prevent moisture from seeping into your basement is to combine both interior and exterior waterproofing techniques. This method begins at construction by installing the water diversion infrastructure needed to move water away from your foundation and keep it out of the foundation materials in the first place. Then, a membrane should be installed inside to prevent any moisture that has made it past these defenses from making it all the way into your basement. 

However, always consult with basement waterproofing professionals near you to determine which method is right for your home — and your budget.