Basement waterproofing professionals near you

When looking for a professional to waterproof your basement, make sure you complete the following steps: 

• Verify their license and insurance: The service should have proper permits and any licensing your area requires. Some certifications are available for basement waterproofing services, such as the Certified Waterproofing Specialist® through The Basement Health Association (BHA) or Registered Waterproofing Consultants available through the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC).

• Get several estimates: The estimates should include material costs, labor, permit fees, worksite preparation fees, clean-up fees and other charges.

• Read their reviews: Green flags are positive reviews that note timeliness and professionalism. If something went wrong, see if the company addressed it to make it right. Red flags could be recurring negative comments about timeliness, poor communication, missed deadlines or shoddy work quality.  

• Look at their portfolios: Portfolios should showcase prior jobs. Try to find basements with a similar setup to your own. 

• Find out if they have warranties: If they offer a warranty, check how long the warranty lasts and what it covers. Carefully read any fine print and ask questions if you’re unsure about something.

• Ask important questions:  For example, find out how much experience the pro has, whether they have any references, how long the project will take and what you can expect from them. 

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.

The national average cost of basement waterproofing ranges from around $1,670 to $6,775,* according to Thumbtack data.

There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including: 

• Size: The bigger and more extensive your basement, the more you can expect to pay to waterproof it.

• Layout: Homes with a square and open basement often have a cheaper price tag than those with rooms, angles or other nooks and crannies.

• Type: You have several options when you get your basement waterproofed. Exterior waterproofing is usually more labor-intensive and costly, as trenches are often dug around the house to access the walls. Interior waterproofing means the waterproofing materials are applied inside, which often requires less labor.

• Damages: Water leaks can cause hidden damage that is not exposed until the waterproofing process is initiated, such as during an inspection for the estimate. Ideally, this damage would be addressed before or during the waterproofing process, and it will likely increase the overall cost.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

There are typically three primary methods of basement waterproofing, including:

• Exterior waterproofing: This usually involves coating the exterior basement walls with waterproof membranes or installing an exterior trench drain. Sometimes, both are used in tandem. 

• Interior drainage methods: This may include creating a French drain system inside the basement along with a sump pump to move water out and away from the foundation. While typically expensive to install, this is generally considered one of the most effective and cost-efficient basement waterproofing solutions. 

• Sealants and injections: Masonry waterproofing products applied to basement walls can help prevent water from seeping in from the outside. It’s usually less expensive than drainage systems, but these are more of a “bandaid” approach. 

Each basement is different, so contact a professional to help you determine the best method for your basement and budget.

If your basement needs waterproofing, there may be several indicators, including:

• Puddles or flooding: Any water at all in a basement is usually bad news.

• Musty smell: If you can smell mold, chances are you probably have a moisture problem.

• Bowed walls: Heavy, wet soil can cause walls to bow, especially after heavy rain. 

• Water stains: Stains on a basement floor are usually a sign of water damage. 

• Wet or chalky walls: Wet walls or walls with a white residue may indicate excess moisture. 

• Warped doors: Sticking doors in a basement are often swollen from moisture. 

• Cracked floors or walls: Bowed walls and floors flexing from pressure can eventually crack. 

• Insect infestations: Large numbers of insects in the basement may indicate high moisture levels.

If you notice any signs of persistent water penetration, contact local basement waterproofers. They can assess your basement and let you know if you need waterproofing services. 

Waterproofing a basement is important because it can protect your home from water damage, give you peace of mind and possibly even improve your home’s value. A basement without any waterproofing may experience the following due to excess moisture or water damage:

• Mold and mildew growth

• Wall and flooring damage

• Foundation cracks and structural issues

• Pest infestations 

• Poor air quality

If you suspect there’s too much water in your basement, contact a professional to explore your waterproofing options. 

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.

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.