Waterproofing is a must for homeowners with basements. It protects your home from water damage and prevents the health and structural problems that often follow. However, understanding basement waterproofing costs and finding solutions that suit your needs and budget can seem overwhelming. This article will detail the waterproofing costs you can expect for various kinds of waterproofing. Please note that the price ranges discussed are average costs based on research available at the time this blog post was written.

Factors That Affect Basement Waterproofing Costs

The main factors that determine waterproofing costs include the size and complexity of the job, the waterproofing method used, the severity of any leaks or necessary repairs, and labour cost.

Exterior waterproofing keeps water out of your home and protects your foundation. It involves digging enough to expose sections of the foundation so that any cracks can be repaired and the whole foundation waterproofed. If water has already entered your basement, exterior measures won’t be helpful; you’ll need to turn to interior waterproofing. This involves sealing the inside of the basement and then adding a drainage system to divert water from the foundation. Due to a more extensive process, exterior waterproofing is more costly, but it is still the recommended first course of action.

There are several factors that impact the labour cost, such as ease of access to the basement and the complexity of the repairs. Regional factors also need to be considered. For example, the cost to waterproof a basement is typically more expensive in Toronto than in Barrie due to higher demand, higher cost of living, and stricter building codes and regulations. Geological conditions also affect the labour needed and thus inform the overall cost.

The cost of waterproofing basements depends not only on the size of the basement but also on other characteristics such as its layout, plumbing and electrical wiring systems, and other factors. Below are the costs you can expect for average basement waterproofing by square footage:

500 sq ft ≈ $1,120 – $7,160
1,000 sq ft ≈ $1,580 – $10,120
1,500 sq ft ≈ $1,940 – $12,390
2,000 sq ft ≈ $2,240 – $14,310

Basement leak repair costs also add to the total waterproofing costs. In addition to the cracks that cause leaks, there are other ways that a basement can become damaged over time. These include mould, deteriorating foundation and floors, and gaps in the seals and joints of windows and doors. The type and extent of all the repairs are calculated in the final cost.

Breakdown of Basement Waterproofing Costs by Method

Interior Waterproofing – Interior waterproofing can cost anywhere from $50 – $230 per linear ft.
Exterior Waterproofing – For external waterproofing, the range is between $50 – $320 per linear ft.
Foundation Crack Repair – It will cost between $1,550 – $3,150 per linear ft. to fix cracks to the foundation, depending on the nature of the repairs.
French Drain Installation – Installing a French drain will redirect water from the basement and prevent flooding issues. You can expect this to cost about $150 – $350 per linear ft.

Cost Estimates Based on Basement Size

Below are the average basement waterproofing costs:

500 sq ft ≈ $1,120 – $7,150
1,000 sq ft ≈ $1,580 – $10,120
1,500 sq ft ≈ $1,940 – $12,390
2,000 sq ft ≈ $2,240 – $14,310

On average, smaller basements can cost as little as $1,120 to waterproof, whereas larger ones can cost up to $14,310, depending on the waterproofing method and repairs needed.

Additional Costs & Considerations

Permits and Inspections – The extent of the waterproofing done on your basement will determine the building permits and inspections needed. The cost will also vary depending on your location.
Mould Removal and Remediation – If mould has already developed in your basement, waterproofing begins with removing the existing mould, finding the cause, and preventing it from coming back in the future. This is done through mould inspection and removal, leak detection and repair, disinfection, drying, and waterproofing the area.
Landscaping and Foundation Access Costs – Your landscaping can impact waterproofing costs. For example, you might need to regrade your yard so that water flows away from the basement. The roots of nearby plants might also be affecting the foundation. When it comes to the foundation, if it is difficult to get to because of a narrow squeeze between the foundation and its surrounding structures (fences, other buildings, etc.), landscape features (steep slopes, obstructing trees, etc.), or other reasons, this will increase the cost.

How to Reduce Basement Waterproofing Costs

Home upkeep costs can be overwhelming to any homeowner. There are several steps you can take to reduce some of the basement waterproofing costs.

When you get contractor estimates, consider their proximity to you and their experience working with your type of basement.

Preventive steps you can take regularly include checking for signs of moisture, cleaning gutters and downspouts, extending downspouts, and regrading the land to slope away from the foundation.

If you’re noticing some buildup of humidity or moisture in your basement, you can look into remedies such as adding an air purifier or dehumidifier, sealing cracks you find, and placing guards on your gutters.

Final Thoughts – Next Steps to Waterproof Your Basement

There are several cost factors that come into play when waterproofing your basement. These include the method of waterproofing, the extent of the repairs needed, the size and complexity of the basement, ease of access to the foundation, and your location. Basement waterproofing costs can range anywhere between $1,120 and $14,310. In addition to preventative measures, when issues pop up, deal with them swiftly to prevent them from ballooning and costing you even more in the future. Also, remember that when major issues need to be addressed, consult a professional.

Here at Waterproof Basement, we handle all your basement waterproofing needs. Reach out to us today for a free consultation and get 10% off on your first waterproofing service.

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