Basement waterproofing costs $5,213, on average, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $2,459 and $8,181 for a complete waterproofing system.
Basement waterproofing costs $5,213 on average, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $2,459 and $8,181 depending on the waterproofing method, the extent of the issue, and the size of the home. Minor interior fixes, like sealing foundation cracks to avoid basement leaks, may cost as little as $600 while installing a complete system can total as much as $15,000.
There are several cost factors involved in waterproofing a basement, including the basement’s size, location, condition, and more.
The cost to waterproof a basement falls between $3 and $10 per square foot on average, although where in this range your pricing falls depends largely on the type of waterproofing method you choose. In any case, large spaces require more time, labor, and material to waterproof than small spaces. Therefore, the larger your basement, the more you can expect to pay for waterproofing for any given method.
Below is a breakdown of how much you might spend for a range of basement sizes.
| Basement Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost to Waterproof |
|---|---|
| 500 | $1,500–$5,000 |
| 750 | $2,300–$7,500 |
| 1,000 | $3,000–$10,000 |
| 1,250 | $3,800–$12,500 |
| 1,500 | $4,500–$15,000 |
| 2,000 | $6,000–$20,000 |
Depending on where your basement water issues are stemming from and what solutions your expert recommends, you may need either interior or exterior waterproofing services. Some homes require both. Interior basement waterproofing is often more affordable because it doesn’t involve excavation and backfilling. Something like installing dampproofing around the exterior of your foundation would require a lot of digging, which drastically increases labor costs.
You’ll spend an average of $3,000 on interior waterproofing services, while extensive exterior services will cost an average of $7,000.
The cost to hire a basement waterproofing contractor is around $200 per hour. Labor is likely the biggest factor affecting the cost of waterproofing a basement, especially because many methods require excavation, which is labor- and time-intensive.
Most contractors charge by the hour based on an estimate of how long your foundation project will take, so the larger and more complicated your project, the longer it will take a contractor to complete, which means higher costs. That said, labor is included in the price of most waterproofing projects, so you don't normally need to budget for it separately.
The region you live in can also affect costs. Waterproofing contractors in flood-prone areas are in high demand, so if you live in an area with a lot of storms and flooding, you’ll likely need to pay more for waterproofing than you would living in a drier region. Additionally, homeowners who live in an area with a high cost of living will likely need to pay more for this project than homeowners in lower-cost-of-living areas.
Your location will also determine the soil quality in your area, and soil composition can affect how easy and time-intensive it is to excavate around your foundation. Areas with heavy clay soil will likely take a bit longer, driving up your labor costs. This is especially true if your lot prevents the contractor from getting heavy machinery on-site, as manual excavation will take much longer with clayey soil.
If the water problems on your property have left you with damage and a foundation that’s in poor condition, you might need to budget for repairs before implementing the more preventative waterproofing methods.
Foundation repairs cost an average of $5,000, but they range from around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the project. You could pay an average of $25,000 and anywhere up to double that for structural repairs like underpinning, which you’ll need if your water issue has really gotten out of hand and caused severe damage.
The type of material you’re waterproofing can also play a role in how much you’ll pay. Poured concrete basements may cost less to waterproof than block wall foundations. This cost difference is because poured concrete is seamless and less prone to water leakage due to the lack of mortar joints, making it easier to waterproof.
Some waterproofing methods will involve sealing cracks in your foundation or coating the wall in a water-resistant covering, and the sealant types vary in price quite a bit. Basic acrylic waterproofing paint is normally the most affordable, ranging from $1 to $8 per square foot, while an epoxy injection into a concrete crack can cost as much as $800 to $1,500 per crack to fill.
| Sealant Type | Average Cost (per Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|
| Acrylic | $1–$8 |
| Epoxy | $5–$7 |
| Silicate | $4–$6 |
Older homes can cost significantly more to waterproof than newer homes for two reasons. First, building codes change over time, and in buildings older than the 1950s, there may not be properly installed footings or rebar reinforcement that are up to today’s standards. In some cases, you may need to take more drastic waterproofing measures to ensure your foundation is better protected.
Additionally, concrete is a highly durable building material that can last for 100 to 200 years, but as it ages, it tends to weaken, especially if the installation isn’t done properly. An older, weakened foundation might also require more waterproofing work to prevent damage, which could add a few thousand dollars to your total.
Waterproofing a foundation is a preventative measure, so existing foundation leaks that result in moisture problems and water damage to ceilings, walls, and other building materials will need separate solutions and repairs alongside the waterproofing efforts. Repairing minor basement leaks costs around $250, but more extensive leaks or a series of leaking areas can total up to around $10,000. Some foundation repair contractors may include this in their estimates.
Mold can occur in basements without effective waterproofing. If you have any mold, it's best to get rid of it as soon as you notice it to avoid indoor air quality issues and further damage to your building materials. Mold remediation costs between $500 and $3,500. Since it can be a hazardous project, it's best to hire a mold remediation expert to handle this job properly and safely.
A water table is an underground boundary that separates the dry ground from the water-saturated ground beneath it. Regions with higher water tables are more prone to flooding, so waterproofing contractors in these areas are frequently in high demand.
Additionally, you’re likely to need more extensive waterproofing systems to keep a basement or crawl space dry in areas with a high water table since you’ll be battling both groundwater and runoff. Therefore, the higher your water table level, the more you'll often pay for waterproofing.
If your basement has a lot of stuff in it that the contractors need to remove to prep the site for waterproofing, you'll need to pay extra since it will extend the length of time your contractor needs to complete the project.
To save money, it's a good idea to remove the items ahead of time so the contractor can get right to work waterproofing. If you don’t, you could pay between $200 and $1,000 to remove debris from your basement prior to the work starting. That total could climb higher for materials that have harbored mold and become hazardous.
Most waterproofing systems installed by professionals come with warranties, which are included in the price of the work. However, the length of your basement waterproofing warranties can vary among different providers, often in relation to the cost. A contractor that charges more for high-quality work will likely offer a longer warranty.
It’s worth noting that basement water problems can be a pervasive issue, so it’s usually a good idea to pay a premium for a contractor that offers a lengthy warranty.
You don't always need a permit to waterproof a basement, but if you’re excavating to install an outdoor water management system or carrying out structural repairs alongside the waterproofing work, you’ll likely need to pull permits. These permits can range from $75 to $500 or more, depending on the municipality and the extent of the work.
"Waterproofing is crucial for basements to prevent water intrusion, mold growth, and structural damage. Interior waterproofing methods like sealants and vapor barriers help control moisture levels but don't address the root cause. Exterior waterproofing, such as waterproof coatings and French drainage systems, is often more effective in preventing water from entering the basement."
— Tim O'Shea, The Build Pros
As mentioned above, professionals can waterproof your basement from the exterior or the interior. Exterior methods are more effective because they’re preventative, but they’re also more expensive because they tend to require excavation, which is time-consuming. The table below includes a list of basement waterproofing methods along with cost ranges for each.
| Method | Interior vs. Exterior | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Excavation | Exterior | $50–$200 per cu. yd. |
| French drain | Exterior | $10–$100 per linear foot |
| Gutter system | Exterior | $4–$40 per linear foot |
| Liquid membrane waterproofing | Exterior | $3–$6 per square foot |
| Sheet membrane waterproofing | Exterior | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Sodium bentonite application | Exterior | $3–$4 per square foot |
| Underground downspout | Exterior | $200–$2,000 for full project |
| Yard grading | Exterior | $500–$3,000 for full project |
| Baseboard channels | Interior | $30 per linear foot |
| Dehumidifiers | Interior | $800–$2,000 per dehumidifier |
| Epoxy injection | Interior | $800–$1,500 per crack filled |
| Foundation coatings | Interior | $500–$1,000 for full project |
| Silicate concrete sealers | Interior | $3–$9 per square foot |
| Subfloor drain tile system | Interior | $25–$55 per square foot |
| Sump pump | Interior | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Vapor barrier | Interior | $1,500–$3,000 for full project |
| Waterproofing paint | Interior | $1–$8 per square foot |
| Weeping tile/Interior French drain | Interior | $60–$120 per linear foot |
Keep in mind that a complete basement waterproofing system will often include multiple items from the table above. You should have a basement waterproofing company near you design a system that fits your budget and addresses all of the underlying issues on your property.
Basement waterproofing costs can be quite high up front, especially if you need a system that includes preventative and reactive components for a comprehensive solution. You may also need to budget for some ongoing waterproofing costs.
After you’ve waterproofed your basement, there are a few ongoing maintenance costs you should be aware of to avoid getting caught off guard in the future. For example, if you’ve sealed your basement with waterproofing paint or crack sealant, then you’ll need to reseal it every five to 10 years. Interior sealants tend to last longer than exterior sealants. You could pay an average of around $1,000 every five to 10 years to reseal your basement.
Some other waterproofing systems require ongoing maintenance, like annual gutter cleaning and tune-ups for mechanical drainage systems like sump pumps.
It’s difficult to budget for these kinds of maintenance issues, but in general, expect to pay between $200 and $400 annually on ongoing maintenance. You could see years of no maintenance costs, followed by a year of higher costs, but the average should give you an idea of what to expect over time.
In some cases, you’ll also need to pay for repairs for waterproofing components. These can include repairing a sump pump that’s not functioning, replacing or repairing dehumidifiers, or excavating and repairing a French drain that has collapsed, clogged, or cracked.
Repairs are even harder to budget for because the damages occur without notice, but it’s a good idea to have $1,000 or so set aside to account for unexpected repairs.
DIY basement waterproofing can save you anywhere between $2 and $7 per square foot on average, which means potential average savings of between $2,000 and $10,000. However, coming up with a waterproofing plan that will solve the underlying issue and prevent repeated problems really requires help from an expert. Even then, implementing the solutions can be challenging, and making mistakes could leave you with costly property damage.
Most simple DIY waterproofing projects are not standalone fixes. Designing a waterproofing system that addresses is challenging enough without professional help, but excavating around your home and installing water management systems is time-consuming and often demands the use of heavy machinery. Not only is this hard work, but mistakes can actually do more damage to your foundation.
A pro can safely and efficiently waterproof your basement so that you know your basement is protected the next time a big storm comes your way. Plus, professionals often include waterproofing warranties that help keep you protected for years to come. All in all, investing in a professionally installed system is worth it.
Basement waterproofing is expensive, but many homeowners opt for add-on services to add even more utility to their basements. You might want to consider the following to complete your project:
Cost to finish a basement: $15,000–$75,000
Cost to install new basement hopper windows: $200–$1,000 each
Cost to install window wells: $2,000–$5,000 each
Cost for pest control service: $300–$550 per treatment
Cost to install basement insulation: $1,800–$3,000
Basement waterproofing costs up to $15,000, so many homeowners will, understandably, look for ways to save. There are a few steps you can take to reduce basement waterproofing costs:
Fill cracks in your foundation: Many homeowners can avoid paying a pro and simply fill minor cracks themselves with a concrete crack sealant and a few minutes to spare. Larger cracks and pooling water may require the help of a pro.
Address leaking gutters: Leaky gutters can cause water buildup around your foundation. Ensuring that your gutters and downspouts are installed and functioning properly can eliminate moisture and water problems.
Tax credits: You may be eligible for a 30% energy-efficient tax credit for upgrading your home’s basement. If you’re simply repairing leaks and cracks, you won’t be eligible, but if you’re taking energy-efficient measures in your waterproofing method, then you might be able to deduct expenses from the total cost of the project thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Limit waterproofing to leaky areas: You could save thousands by just addressing the areas that are prone to issues instead of your whole basement. It’s a good idea to have a professional basement waterproofing company help you decide which areas you need to address.
Address waterproofing ASAP: Foundation problems worsen over time, so it’s important to address issues as soon as you notice symptoms. You might save up front by putting off repairs and waterproofing services, but doing so will almost always cost you more in the long run.
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Basement waterproofing is a good investment and will usually increase your home value because it can increase your home’s desirability for buyers, which in turn can fetch higher prices. On the other hand, a leaky basement is not a great selling point for a home, and it usually means you won’t get fair market value for the home.
Some basement waterproofing methods can actually cause your water or moisture problems to get worse, which is why it’s so important to call in a professional who knows how to solve your underlying issue and use the appropriate waterproofing methods. An example of this would be applying latex waterproofing paint to the insides of your basement walls without fixing the water issue outside. Doing so can trap moisture in the basement walls, which can promote mold growth, peeling paint, and even damaged concrete. However, when done by a professional, the only downside to basement waterproofing is the up-front cost.
You can choose to waterproof the inside or outside of your basement, or you can do both. Waterproofing both the inside and outside will offer the best protection, but if you only want to pick one, it's typically best to waterproof the exterior of your basement. Exterior waterproofing stops water from interacting with your foundation altogether, while interior waterproofing only helps to prevent the water that gets in from causing further damage.
No, basement waterproofing is not usually covered by insurance. In fact, many standard homeowners insurance policies don't cover flood or water seepage at all, so plan to pay out of pocket for these services. If you live in a flood zone and have flood insurance, then the likelihood is that flooding caused by a natural disaster will be covered, but preventative waterproofing services still won’t be in most cases.
