What should I look for when hiring a basement waterproofing company?
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.
How much does basement waterproofing cost?
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.
What are the common methods of basement waterproofing?
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.
What are signs that my basement needs waterproofing?
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.
Why is basement waterproofing important?
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.