Basements & Foundations

Your basement and foundation are the roots of your home, so it’s important to know about common problems that could affect them. From basement flooding to a cracked foundation, and everything in between—our expert insights will keep you informed.

Two fathers and their children watch tv in basement
Photo: 10'000 Hours / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Two fathers and their children watch tv in basement
Photo: 10'000 Hours / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Explore top articles
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Person carrying bucket of cleaning supplies
Dan Simms
•
Dec 13, 2024
Dec 13, 2024
Crawl space maintenance can help improve indoor air quality and avoid structural damage. Learn how much crawl space cleaning costs and when to schedule it.
Wine cellar in basement with exposed brick wall
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 21, 2025
May 21, 2025
A bowing basement wall needs immediate repair. Learn how much it costs to repair a bowing basement wall and what factors can affect the final price tag.
Two professionals inspecting house foundation
Ginny Bartolone
•
Feb 10, 2025
Feb 10, 2025
Foundation repair costs can be tricky when you have a large repair on your hands. This guide walks through costs from small cracks to total replacement.
American contemporary home
Dan Simms
•
Jul 8, 2024
Jul 8, 2024
Knowing how to hire a foundation repair contractor can be the difference between a permanent fix and more problems. Learn what to look for in this guide.
House in suburban area
Em Norton
•
Jul 12, 2024
Jul 12, 2024
A house’s history of foundation repairs doesn’t always mean you shouldn’t buy it. Learn what to consider when purchasing a house with an unstable past.
Two story modern house with a big yard
Rachel Hoffman
•
Jul 8, 2024
Jul 8, 2024
Building code foundation requirements are crucial to build safe structures. Read on to learn how adherence to guidelines ensures stability and resilience.
Need help finding the right pro?
Share your project details and we’ll match you with up to 3 available pros near you.
View all articles
man pointing to crack in the wall
Jenna Jonaitis  •  Jun 25, 2025
Do Cracks in Drywall Mean Foundation Problems?
Some cracks in your drywall are harmless, while others require attention. Learn if cracks in your drywall indicate foundation problems and what steps to take.
Parents playing with their son on the kitchen floor
Rachel Hoffman  •  Jun 12, 2025
How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost? [2025 Data]
Water damage restoration costs depend on the severity of the problem, the type of water, and the length of time the damage has been occurring.
Basement with stone fireplace
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Jun 11, 2025
How to Keep Your Basement Dry and Get Rid of Moisture
Can’t seem to get rid of the moisture and mold in your basement? Learn why basements tend to hold moisture and how to get rid of moisture in the basement.
Young woman sweeping water from front yard on rainy day
Jill Harness  •  Jun 9, 2025
How to Build a Flood Wall Around Your House
Building a flood wall around your house is a worthwhile investment. For superior protection in a flood zone, it’s best to hire a pro to do the work for you.
An open-space living room in a house’s basement
Catherine Hiles  •  Jun 6, 2025
How to Fix a Leaky Basement
A basement offers additional living or storage space, but if it leaks, it can become a significant headache. Learn how to fix a leaky basement and prevent water damage.
A typical crawl space
Catherine Hiles  •  Jun 5, 2025
7 Crawl Space Maintenance Tips for a Safe and Dry Home
Crawl space maintenance is a necessary part of keeping your home protected and energy-efficient. Follow these tips to properly maintain your crawl space.
A bright wooden bathroom
Gemma Johnstone  •  Jun 5, 2025
What Is a Home Flood Detection System and Do I Need One?
Learn what home flood detection systems are, how they work, where to install them, and why they can help minimize water damage in your home with this guide.
Excavator digging a trench
Elisa Greenberg  •  Jun 4, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Dig a Trench? [2025 Data]
Digging a trench is usually the first step in a larger home project. Our trenching cost calculator breaks down the factors that affect the price tag of this job.
Gray traditional cottage
Dan Simms  •  Jun 4, 2025
How Much Does Crawl Space Repair Cost? [2025 Data]
Crawl space repair costs can seem intimidating, but putting them off can lead to bigger issues. Learn about repair costs in this guide to set your budget.
basement foundation waterproofing
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Jun 3, 2025
How to Waterproof Your Foundation: 9 Ways to Keep Water Out
Wondering how to waterproof foundation walls? These tips cover everything from basic waterproofing to leveling your yard to keep water out.
Exterior shot of a bungalow type of house on a sunny day
Paige Bennett  •  Jun 2, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Demolish a House? [2025 Data]
How much does it cost to demolish a house? Average prices for demolition vary based on home size, materials, and location. A partial demolition can make a project more affordable than a full house demolition. Keep reading for more.
A collage featuring a white bookshelf, wood floors, and an LED recessed lighting fixture. Overlay says “$67,000 - Crown Point, IN”.
Nosy Neighbor  •  Jun 2, 2025
The $67,000 Finished Basement in Crown Point, IN
A homeowner in Crown Point, Indiana, breaks down the real cost of their finished basement project, including prices and advice.