Costs: Basement Waterproofing

When you realize your basement has water issues, it’s natural to want to know the kind of repairs it requires and the cost of doing so. We’ll give you a fair estimate of waterproof basement costs for both interior waterproofing and exterior waterproofing. This way, you can estimate how much your waterproofing project will cost in advance and prepare the funds.

What Determines the Basement Repair Costs?

A number of things will determine how much you’re going to spend waterproofing your basement. The first is the size of the basement. The bigger the basement floor, the higher the waterproofing costs. Following closely is the condition of the basement. If the basement is in a deplorable condition, you will first have to repair it before any waterproofing begins. This will cost you money. The other factor is whether you’re hiring a basement contractor or doing a DIY, which we highly discourage. While you may think you’re slashing a couple of hundred dollars off your budget waterproofing your basement, you could also be setting the stage for expensive repairs and replacements in the near future by using substandard materials or doing a shoddy job.

Interior Basement Waterproofing Costs

Starting with the interior, your contractor will likely focus a lot of their effort here. This can mean more repairs and more labor. To ensure no water enters your basement, some of the measures they’re going to take include:

• Sealing cracks – The best and most effective way of preventing leaks on the foundation wall is to apply a low-pressure epoxy injection through ports on the crack. Indiana Foundation Service does not provide this service, but to give you an idea, a single application of epoxy in the foundation can cost up to $500 per crack. The good thing is it’s a fairly simple job that can take less than one hour.
• Sump pump (purchase and installation) – If you live in a flood-prone area in Indianapolis, your contractor will suggest that you buy a sump pump and install it in the lowest part of the basement. Purchasing and installing a sump pump may cost you upwards of $2,000. This is on the lower side, and it’s possible you could end up spending more.
• Waterproof paint – It’s used to protect the home from the external elements, especially water. Typical waterproof paints can last up to 10 years. A standard can of paint can cost up to $200, depending on the type, texture, brand and finish. A painter could charge you up to $2 per sq ft. If you know the size of the wall, you can do the math. However, this is only a temporary bandage, not a permanent solution.

Exterior Basement Waterproofing Costs

Occasionally, homeowners in Indianapolis, IN, have to deal with running surface water after a heavy downpour. This calls for external waterproofing, a labor-intensive process that’s also can be expensive. For this reason, it’s advisable to waterproof the exterior when building the home. Should you decide to waterproof the exterior of the basement wall, here’s how much you’re going to incur:

• Excavation: Where the contractor cannot access the basement walls to stop leaks, they might have to do some digging before they lay down the proofing material. Excavation could set you back $200 per linear foot or more. The cost depends on the depth and accessibility of the basement area to be dug.
• Exterior French drains: These systems keep out surface water from your foundation walls. Typical drains cost at least $15 per linear feet.
• Window well drain: Installing well drains is another waterproofing method that can stop water leaks and damage. They collect water and channel them away from the basement. Installing a well drain can cost you up to $2,000, and that’s on the lower side.
• Guttering and downspouts: IFS does not offer guttering, but installing galvanized or aluminum gutters and downspouts can cost you up to $10 per linear foot. Vinyl gutters are much cheaper. If installing 100 to 200 feet of gutters, set aside at least $2,500
• Sodium bentonite: This clay-like substance treatment creates a barrier between the wet soil and the foundation walls. It’s often used during the construction of new homes. A ton costs roughly $50.

Miscellaneous costs

When waterproofing your basement, you’re likely to incur additional costs. Set aside money to fix water seepage and leaks around or along the basement walls and floor. Water damage repairs in Indianapolis, IN, could cost you anything between $1,000 and $2,000. These are conservative figures; the costs could be higher depending on the extent or degree of damage.

Also, factor in the cost of labor. Some contractors will give you a fixed quote for the entire waterproofing project while others will charge you per linear foot. Be sure to check with your contractor when discussing repairs and payment specifics.

Note: The figures we have shared above are rough estimates. In most cases, waterproofing costs could be higher than what we have indicated.

If you’re looking for a trustworthy basement repair contractor in Indianapolis, IN, who can inspect your basement and supply you with a free and fair basement waterproofing estimate, look no further than Indiana Foundation Service.

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for almost 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.