Waterproofing a basement is generally worth it, but the necessity and direct value it would have to you would depend on your specific situation. When making a decision to waterproof your basement or not, it’s important to look at several things.
When Waterproofing is Worth It
1. If you’ve noticed symptoms and common signs of water intrusion
Even seemingly small issues can mean that water is already finding a way in. Some symptoms to look out for are: damp spots, a musty smell, obvious mold, efflorescence (white powder) showing on the wall/floors, or the occasional seepage.
Early basement waterproofing would be done to prevent:
- Structural damage
- Damaged flooring and/or walls
- Mold growth
- Future and more in-depth repair costs
2. If you plan to use the basement as a living space
If the basement is already living space, i.e. a bedroom or living room, or if you want to turn the basement into a living space, waterproofing would be a vital step. Ignoring a potential waterproofing issue or skipping this step to speed up a remodel could create future issues and a higher price to fix them later.
3. If you’re in a naturally wet environment
Waterproofing would typically be recommended if your property is in an area with:
- A high water table
- Considerable seasonal rain
- Hillside conditions
- Clay soil that retains moisture
For homes in regions that fit the above criteria, waterproofing below-grade living spaces may well be a valuable investment.
4. If you’re going to sell your home (or if you are the buyer)
A basement free of water damage and water intrusion would:
- Increase the value of the home
- Improve the confidence of the buyer
- Lessen/eliminate potential issues when it comes to the general and/or foundation inspections as part of escrow
When It’s Possibly Not Worth It
Waterproofing a basement most likely would not be necessary if:
- Your basement is perfectly dry all year
- The basement is not a living space and has no water intrusion symptoms
How Much Should it Cost to Waterproof a Basement?
This is one of those questions where it depends completely on the specific situation you are experiencing with your basement and waterproofing needs. Sometimes, simple repairs such as surface drainage are enough to keep water out of a basement. Other times, significant excavation, shoring and building permits are required to completely waterproof a below-grade space. To give you a very rough idea of what to expect, here are some potential ranges of costs:
Typical costs:
Exterior waterproofing: this can so widely vary that an in-person inspection with one of our inspectors is really the only way to properly assess your situation. To give you a very rough idea, an extremely small waterproofing job may cost around $5,000-$10,000. A very large waterproofing job could easily exceed $100,000
The benefits that outweigh these costs as a homeowner:
- Could prevent tens of thousands in water damage
- Protects and ensures the integrity of your foundation
- Ensures that the space is free from water damage so it remains usable
- Would help to avoid potential mold/health issues associated with water damage
Quick Way to Decide
Waterproofing your basement may be worth pursuing if you answer yes to any of these scenarios:
- Are you experiencing any signs of water intrusion such as dampness or musty smells?
- Do you plan to finish the basement as a living space?
- Are you a homeowner and planning to sell your property soon?