Basement waterproofing costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Both traditional basements and English basements are common in Washington, D.C.
Waterproofing your D.C. basement is important to avoid water damage.
The size of your basement will impact how much you spend.
The method of waterproofing also affects cost.
A waterproof basement can be a significant selling point when listing your home.
Basement waterproofing costs in Washington, D.C. are 54% higher than the national average. This isn’t surprising; the cost of living in the nation’s capital is roughly 52% higher in D.C., compared to the U.S. average. Specifically, homeowners in Washington, D.C. should budget an average of $5,771 for waterproofing their basements, though prices tend to range from $3,494 to $8,219.
Though some homes in Washington, D.C., have traditional basements, it’s also very common for homes to have English basements—half above grade and half below grade. Because these are usually finished, it’s even more important to have them waterproofed.
Basement waterproofing costs in D.C. depend on factors such as the size of the basement and the method for waterproofing; exterior and interior waterproofing methods can have drastically different costs.
The cost to waterproof a basement falls between $5 and $15 per square foot on average, although where in this range your pricing falls depends largely on the type of waterproofing method you choose. In any case, large spaces require more time, labor, and material to waterproof than small spaces. Therefore, the larger your basement, the more you can expect to pay for waterproofing for any given method.
Below is a breakdown of how much you might spend for a range of basement sizes.
| Basement Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost to Waterproof |
|---|---|
| 500 | $2,500–$7,500 |
| 750 | $3,750–$11,250 |
| 1,000 | $5,000–$15,000 |
| 1,250 | $6,250–$18,750 |
| 1,500 | $7,500–$22,500 |
| 2,000 | $10,000–$30,000 |
Depending on where your basement water issues are stemming from and what solutions your expert recommends, you may need either interior or exterior waterproofing services. Some homes require both. Interior basement waterproofing is often more affordable because it doesn’t involve excavation and backfilling. Something like installing damp-proofing around the exterior of your foundation would require a lot of digging, which drastically increases labor costs.
You’ll spend an average of $4,625 on interior waterproofing services, while extensive exterior services will cost an average of $10,780.
As mentioned above, professionals can waterproof your basement from the exterior or the interior. Exterior methods are more effective because they’re preventative, but they’re also more expensive because they tend to require excavation, which is time-consuming. The table below includes a list of basement waterproofing methods along with cost ranges for each.
| Method | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Excavation | $75–$300 per cubic yard |
| French drain | $15–$150 per linear foot |
| Gutter system | $6–$62 per linear foot |
| Sheet membrane waterproofing | $2,300–$4,625 |
| Underground downspout | $300–$3,075 for full project |
| Yard grading | $775–$4,625 for full project |
| Dehumidifiers | $1,225–$3,075 per dehumidifier |
| Foundation coatings | $775–$1,550 for full project |
| Sump pump | $1,850–$3,850 |
Because waterproofing a basement can be complex work, we highly recommend working with a basement waterproofer in Washington, D.C. Here are some costs to consider:
The biggest expense will be the cost to hire a local basement waterproofing contractor. Labor costs can vary, but it’s not unheard of for the effective hourly rate to reach $300 for basement waterproofing in D.C. Get quotes from at least three waterproofing companies to get the best deal.
Depending on the basement waterproofing method you’re using, you may need to obtain a building permit from the local government. For instance, if your project involves excavation, budget for $130 in permit costs in Washington, D.C.
Yes, investing in basement waterproofing can boost your home’s value. On average, homeowners see about a 30% return on investment after completing the project. This can be a huge appeal when it comes time to sell your home; knowing the basement is waterproofed already and that they won’t need to worry about basement flooding issues can motivate the right buyer.
Beyond resale value, waterproofing can pay off by helping you avoid expensive repairs from water intrusion, such as mold cleanup and structural damage restoration.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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Builders XLTI recently had the pleasure of working with Shawn from Superior Damage Restoration to address a persistent water leak issue in my penthouse duplex unit. The problem was that water was seeping through from under the flooring and down the stairs whenever it rained. Previous contractors had...
Superior Damage RestorationI recently had the pleasure of working with Shawn from Superior Damage Restoration to address a persistent water leak issue in my penthouse duplex unit. The problem was that water was seeping through from under the flooring and down the stairs whenever it rained. Previous contractors had...
Superior Damage Restoration, LLCI called about water damage that is occuring in the basement of our church, but which is likely caused by something on the second level or higher. Even though Value Dry only addresses damage that can be addressed through basement-level drainage and encapsulation systems, they went to the...
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