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The Cost of Waterproofing a Basement Through a Contractor
The cost you can expect to incur waterproofing a basement will depend greatly on the nature and severity of your water problems. Many solutions can be installed or applied in a do-it-yourself fashion but others cannot. If you don't have the time to do it yourself, cannot perform the physical effort required, or most importantly, lack the expertise required to implement the proper solution, it's time to call in the assistance of an expert. There are many waterproofing companies and contractors in every area of the country. Virtually all will come to your home and give you a free assessment of your problems and estimate of the cost to install a solution.
When assessing a problem such as basement water, it's natural to seek the lowest cost solutions available. No one wants to pay more than necessary. Be careful though not to underestimate the severity of your problems. Many people will downplay the extent of their problems in their minds so that lower cost solutions will seem appropriate. Try to maintain your objectivity when assessing your water problems. Also, it's best to address your basement water problems right away. Water problems tend to increase in severity over time. Many homeowners wind up paying much more later to fix what began as a minor problem but grew in severity because it was left unchecked. When it comes to basement waterproofing procrastination can be very costly.
Again, the cost of waterproofing a basement depends greatly on the nature of the problem. Small, internal repairs such as filling small cracks, scrubbing away mold and mildew, and applying waterproof paint should cost you no more than a couple of hundred dollars in supplies and a few hours of your time. On the other hand, if your situation calls for installation of exterior drainage and application of wall sealant, significant excavation will be required. You'll need the assistance of a contractor with specialized equipment to do the work. In this case, you can expect to spend upwards of several thousand dollars depending on the size of your house and property.
Different contractors will suggest different solutions to the same problem. It can be amazing how you can invite two different contractors to your home, show them the same problem areas of your basement, and receive two very different recommendations for solving them. Of course, this won't always happen but it can be surprising how often it occurs. Before choosing a contractor to do the work, be sure to get written assessments and estimates from at least three. The estimates should include an assessment of your problems, their intended solutions, the estimated cost to you, when they can start, when they expect to be finished, and how long they warrant their work. Use the information we provide here along with the assessments of professionals to decide on the best solution for waterproofing your basement. Keep in mind that you will be spending anywhere from two thousand to upwards of twenty thousand dollars to solve your water problems. You should expect those solutions to last many years. Get plenty of advice and interview plenty of contractors before choosing one that's right for you.
Though the cost of waterproofing a basement may be substantial, it is a project that should not be ignored. Basement walls also serve as a home's foundation. If the basement walls are at risk from water damage, the entire home and its contents may be dry but they are also at risk.