Basement Waterproofing Rates

[James Maradits]

I'm curious to hear what others are paying for basement waterproofing.

I was just quoted around $14k to have the exterior dug and waterproofed as well as put an interior drain system put in for about 126 linear feet of basement wall.

In the past I've been quoted roughly $100 foot per linear foot.

Please share if you have any experience or input on this.

[Don Petrasek]

@James Maradits $100/sq ft is a good price to shoot for in our area.  But can also depend on access available (is your next neighbor right on top of you and can't get a machine in) + extent of the issue (is your storm line to the street OK).  

In most cases, basement water issues should be able to be resolved by exterior digging only - this should include new drain tiles and waterproofing the walls + backfill with #57 gravel or similar material.  To me, the interior systems are treating a symptom not solving the problem - you need to keep the water out of the house in the first place, not just get rid of it after it comes in.  You're right in running from anyone who isn't focused on the source of the problem.  And @Amy Beth is spot on, get a few opinions, especially good are those from someone who isn't going to bid on the digging like a plumber.  Its surprising how much trouble a bad gutter or minor grading issue can cause....a good plumber has experience with sump pumps and floor drains & can usually make a decent call on what the real issue is.

This is also the type of job where going with the lowest bidder can be dangerous.  There's a basement waterproofing guy on YouTube - Daniel J O'Connor - who has some great educational videos on the topic (they're also pretty entertaining) -it would be worth your time spending 30 minutes watching him.  If your property is on the west side, PM me and I can give you a couple names to try.