What is the average cost of waterproofing a basement?

Author: Gianni Cummings  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 3, 2025

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.

How much does it cost to waterproof a 1000 square foot basement?

The average cost to waterproof a 1,000-square-foot basement is $3,000-$10,000, depending on the location and method used. Interior sealing is often less expensive than exterior sealing but is less effective at keeping water completely out of the basement.

Is waterproofing a basement worth it?

According to some water damage studies, over 98% of all homes with basements will experience some kind of water damage. Even a minor leak will raise your water bill by 10%. A properly waterproofed basement can be a great selling point for potential buyers and typically offers a return on investment of about 30%.

What is the cheapest way to waterproof a basement?

The least expensive basement waterproofing methods include grading soil away from your home, installing downspout extenders on your gutter system, and applying a waterproof paint on the interior of the foundation walls.

Does homeowners insurance cover basement waterproofing?

Although basement waterproofing isn't directly covered by insurance, it is possible to add an endorsement to your homeowner's insurance policy covering your things like a broken sump pump, burst pipes, or extreme weather events like a lightning strike.

Cost of Basement Waterproofing in 2025

How much should I pay for basement waterproofing?

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.

Why is basement waterproofing so expensive?

The typical cost range for basement waterproofing is between $2,300 and $7,575, with a national average cost of $4,920. The main factors affecting basement waterproofing costs are the size of the basement, interior versus exterior sealing, the type of sealant that is used, labor costs, and geographic location.

How do you permanently waterproof a basement?

5 Steps to Effectively Waterproof Basement Walls
  1. Remove All Standing Water and Verify That the Area is Completely Dry. ...
  2. Clean and Prepare the Area. ...
  3. Plug Holes and Cracks. ...
  4. Reseal Windows, Doors and Window Wells with Caulk. ...
  5. Apply Waterproof Coating.

What is the least expensive way to finish a basement?

Covering the Walls

Covering cinder block or plywood walls with drywall gets costly quickly. To save money, limit the use of drywall or look for other options to cover a portion of the walls. Again, paint is the quickest and cheapest way to make a basement look more inviting.

Does basement waterproofing increase home value?

Most experts agree that not only will you recoup the cost of waterproofing your basement when you sell your home, but you may also profit from the investment. A waterproofed basement can count as livable space and increase the value of your home.

What are the disadvantages of basement waterproofing?

Exterior basement waterproofing has a few downsides, though.
  • Cost. It's a more involved process that requires digging up your yard, which is expensive and time-consuming.
  • Damages landscaping or hardscaping elements. ...
  • Not serviceable.

How many days does it take to waterproof a basement?

In summary, the duration of a basement waterproofing project can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the job, the method of waterproofing used, and the weather conditions. The average project takes between one to seven days, but it can take longer, depending on the specifics of your situation.

Is waterproofing expensive?

In general, expect to pay between $500 and $750 to completely waterproof an average sized bathroom. If the waterproofing is done in more than one bathroom or as part of a complete bathroom renovation, the cost may be lower.

What is the cheapest method of waterproofing?

The cement-based coating gives it a rigid layer and is most effective for homes with stable temperatures and simple roof layouts. This approach is one of the most economical options available as it helps you reduce repairs, replacements, and maintenance costs for years to come.

Can you waterproof a basement from the inside?

Interior basement waterproofing involves waterproofing basement walls from the inside. This way, the water that leaks into the basement is re-routed, before it can come in, out and away from your home. It is an effective waterproofing method and a much less offensive alternative to exterior waterproofing.

How much do contractors charge to finish a basement?

Basement finishing costs about $7 to $23 per square foot, so the larger the space, the more you'll spend to turn it into a cozy den or welcoming guest suite. A smaller, 500-square-foot basement will cost about $3,500 to $11,500 total, while a large, 1,500-square-foot basement will cost $10,500 to $34,500 to finish.

Why do builders not finish basements?

So, you see, leaving basements unfinished isn't a builder's oversight, but a thoughtful strategy. It's about balancing cost-effectiveness with future customization potential. It's a way to manage dampness, ensure structural safety, and respond to market trends and homeowner preferences.

Can you finish a basement for 50k?

The average basement remodel cost per square foot lands between $15-$25. A smaller basement around 400 square feet might cost $15,000-$20,000. Larger spaces of 800+ square feet could cost $25,000-$50,000 or more.

How much does basement waterproofing cost?

While exterior waterproofing costs tens of thousands of dollars, interior waterproofing costs between $4,000 and $10,000. Some of the biggest cost-indicators are: Labor.

What are the three types of basement waterproofing?

The 3 Major Approaches to Basement Waterproofing
  • Sealants & Epoxy Injections. Sealants and epoxy injections are widely considered band-aid fixes, but some homeowners opt for these sealants as the next-best solution when a drainage system isn't in their budget. ...
  • Interior Drainage. ...
  • Exterior Waterproofing.

What are the four steps to waterproofing?

4 Steps Of Wall Waterproofing For New Buildings
  • Step 1 Surface Preparation. Before applying any waterproofing materials, it's crucial to prepare the surface properly. ...
  • Step 2 Filling Cracks. ...
  • Step 3 Application. ...
  • Step 4 Drying.

What is the most cost effective way to waterproof a basement?

What is the cheapest way to waterproof a basement?
  • Waterproofing Paint: Applying a waterproofing paint or sealant is one of the most affordable solutions. ...
  • Crack Injection Kits: For basements with cracks, using an epoxy or polyurethane foam kit can be an economical fix.

What is a French drain in a basement?

A French drain (also called a weeping tile, drain tile, perimeter drain or sub-surface drain) is a common basement waterproofing solution. It's a trench containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from the foundation.

How much does it cost to dry out a basement?

The average cost to remove standing water and dry out a flooded basement is about $3,000-$5,000, but the price can vary widely depending on the cause and extent of the damage and several other important factors.

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