How to resolve moisture in the basement?

[Jacob Elbe]

Good Morning!

I'm wondering what experience some of you have with different solutions for moisture in basements.  One of my properties in Euclid, OH received a violation from the city during the inspection last year:

"The cellar/basement walls show signs of leakage and/or accumulation of moisture.  This defect must be corrected."

We received a quote from a Cleveland company that would install a  basement system for $2950 to install a french drain, and pump along the wall in question.  This seems excessive to me based on the note from the city inspection.  They're a specialty company that I'm sure will always recommend their solution.

What approaches have some of you taken to resolve moisture on basement walls?  I would think some type of sealant on the inside walls and a good de-humidifier along with double checking the downspouts on the house would be sufficient. 

Have some of you dealt with this issue?  If you did install a basement drainage system, what was the result?  Did it work as planned? 

Thanks for your help!

- Jacob