Foundation Waterproofing Costs

Foundation waterproofing may be necessary for homes that lie in flood plains or other low-lying areas, or that have excessive groundwater issues. Exterior and interior waterproofing solutions are available for homes of all shapes and sizes, but some situations may warrant one type of waterproofing or another.

Exterior waterproofing is the most comprehensive, but it is also the most expensive in existing construction because of the need for serious excavation to access the exterior of the foundation. This also runs the risk of potential damage or disruption to the home’s foundation, which can cost even more. Interior waterproofing is much more effective and offers a few different options for keeping a basement dry. Costs vary significantly, based on the method used, the size of the foundation, and the severity of water damage.

Foundation waterproofing: 1,500 sq.ft., interior and exterior waterproofing in a new construction.

Other considerations and costs

• Certain circumstances or conditions require a certain method of waterproofing, so be sure to consult with a specialist so that you get the right solution for your water issues.
• This estimate does not include any permits or taxes. Permits may or may not be required, depending on the level and type of work being done. Check with your local municipality for permit requirements and costs.
• There are also vapor barriers available for crawl spaces and silicate sealers available, which are relatively cheap solutions to getting rid of moisture. A vapor barrier will cost more simply because of the installation labor.
• Check with your home insurance company before doing any waterproofing work or foundation excavation. Insurance companies often have limits on the types and amount of construction that can be done on a property and you may need to purchase additional coverage or change your policy type, depending on the upgrades.
• Also ask your insurer if any of the work being done, including water damage restoration, might be covered by insurance. If you had coverage for water backup or other water damage protection, they might pay at least part of the costs of cleanup, if nothing else.

DIY considerations

• Waterproofing is not a DIY job in most cases. If you have a damp basement and simply want to paint it with waterproof paint, that may be a task that you can handle. Serious waterproofing methods, however, require special equipment and trained technicians.

References

• Craftsman Estimator Costbook, complete series year 2019.
• Latest prices found on Home Depot and other vendor Web sites.
• Literature review of DIY Web sites.