Excessive moisture levels in your basement could lead to mould growth, decreased home value, and structural damage. If you have a damp or leaky basement, you’re probably wondering about the cost of effective basement waterproofing. Like other home improvement projects, the cost of basement waterproofing varies depending on many factors. For instance, the cost will depend on whether the contractor needs to waterproof the interior or exterior of the basement. Labour will determine the cost of basement waterproofing; contractors will charge you for the repairs but ensure they do the job well. Your location also matters; if you live in a region with a lower cost of living, the basement waterproofing cost is also likely to be lower.
The cost of basement waterproofing will also vary depending on where the problem is coming from. There are several causes of excess moisture in your basement, which include leaking water pipes, missing or poorly installed gutters and downpipes, cracked foundations, groundwater, poorly graded slopes, and improperly designed window wells. It will be easier to estimate the waterproofing cost after identifying the issue. The cost will also depend on the solution you choose to repair the basement leak. Common waterproofing solutions include downpipe and gutters installation, dehumidifiers, window well installation, waterproofing products, and grading.
Interior or exterior basement waterproofing.
It is possible to waterproof a basement from either inside or the outside, subject to the cause of too much water in your basement. The cost for basement waterproofing will depend on the waterproofing method chosen. Interior waterproofing calls for the use of a waterproof sealant to overlay the inside of your basement walls. Exterior basement waterproofing entails digging the exterior of a building to lay bare the foundation. The contractor then overlays and fortifies the foundation with an impermeable sealant. Be ready to pay more for exterior basement waterproofing than for interior waterproofing because it is labour-intensive and takes more time and more equipment. However, despite being more high-priced, exterior waterproofing is considered to be more successful if you plan to keep your basement dry.
Extra repairs and accessories.
Cracks on the walls or the floor are a leading cause of basement leaks. At first, cracks might not seem like a cause for concern, especially if the basement walls are still stable and strong. However, water seeps through these cracks into your basement over time, leaving the basement wet and damp. You cannot enjoy a dry basement if you are not willing to seal the cracks. Even if there are numerous DIY crack repair kits in the market, it is advisable to seek professional crack repair services. You will incur higher costs if you have to make repairs or address other issues like mould infestation before waterproofing the basement.
Basement Layout and Size.
The waterproofing method is crucial in establishing basement-waterproofing costs. However, the cost is also based on the size and layout of your basement. Waterproofing costs will be greater on a big basement because it needs more materials and accessories. A contractor will also take longer to waterproof a big basement than a smaller one. A larger basement also calls for higher labour costs. The layout of a basement will also notably impact the all-inclusive waterproofing cost. If the waterproofing method entails laying a French drain or a weeping tile around the perimeter wall, it may cost you between $50 and $100 per linear foot.
Foundation Repair or Reinforcement.
The condition of your basement will determine the total basement waterproofing cost. Block and concrete walls are prone to damage despite being tough and durable. If water collects in the voids within concrete blocks, a contractor must first drill holes to drain the water. If the foundation is damaged, the building’s safety will be compromised, and no amount of waterproofing will work. In this case, you won’t be able to carry on with basement waterproofing before repairing the foundation walls first. The cost of your foundation repair will vary depending on several factors: the type of foundation, the extent of damage, and the repair contractor you hire. Foundation repair costs range between $1,000 and $25,000, with the average cost being $8,000.
Labour cost for basement waterproofing.
When waterproofing a basement, most companies charge a single cost for the entire project. This cost normally includes labour and materials; it typically ranges between $3 and $10 per square foot. Out of this cost, labour makes up for around $2 to $8, while materials make up the rest of the cost. The costs may be much higher if the foundation requires a French drain and a sump pump. Even if labour costs make up a significant part of your waterproofing budget, the contractor will take the stress from you and give you the assurance that the waterproofing project will be completed properly. While giving you a quote for the cost of waterproofing, most contractors will include the labour costs.
Basement waterproofing products.
You can use a variety of waterproofing products, together or separately, depending on the cause of the basement leak and the severity of the leak. The waterproofing solution you choose will determine the cost you incur. Some of the products that you can use to waterproof your basement include sealant and waterproofing paint. Applying waterproofing paint to your basement’s interior is a simple and cost-effective solution. However, waterproofing paint is best used alongside other products if you want to keep moisture outside your basement fully. You will incur a higher cost if you choose to use an exterior membrane to prevent water from seeping into your basement. However, these membranes are more effective than waterproofing paint.
