Basement Waterproofing Cost in Chicago [2025 Data]

The average basement waterproofing cost in Chicago is $2,037. However, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $745 and $3,453 for different types of waterproofing solutions. Overall, a basement's size is one of the biggest factors in this project's cost. Read on to learn more about what you can expect to pay when waterproofing your Chicago basement.

Basement Waterproofing Cost Factors 

With Chicago having one of the oldest housing stocks in the United States, nearly half of all homes in the city were built prior to the 1950s. For homeowners, this can increase the cost for basement waterproofing because contractors may need to spend time bringing foundations up to code or mitigating existing damage. With this in mind, the cost for Chicago basement waterproofing is still lower compared to the national average due to the availability of experienced licensed contractors.

When assessing your home, your Chicago basement waterproofing contractor will examine your basement to look for signs of basement water damage and track points of water entry to determine the best option for how to waterproof your basement.

Basement Size

The cost to waterproof a basement falls between $3 and $10 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.

Interior vs. Exterior Waterproofing

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 $3,000 on interior waterproofing services, while extensive exterior services will cost an average of $7,000.

Waterproofing Method

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.

Basement Waterproofing Pro Costs

The costs to hire basement waterproofing professionals in Chicago include labor, all necessary materials for the project, any required permits, and all applicable local sales taxes. Given Chicago's tight regulations, contractors must also consider the general costs of doing business, which include expenses for professional licensing and insurance.

Permits

Any basement waterproofing option that involves demolition, excavation, or plumbing requires a permit in the City of Chicago. For example, digging to install a sump pump or drainage pipes may require multiple permits, as these solutions often involve excavation and plumbing work. While the city's permit structure involves multiple tiers, most basement waterproofing projects generally require permits costing between $300 and $1,200.

Local Labor

On average, basement waterproofing professionals in Chicago charge between $110 and $140 per hour. However, you can generally expect your contractor to charge by square foot or provide a flat project rate. Factors that impact the final project cost include the number of hours required to complete the work and the size of the crew needed.

Taxes

In general, Chicago contractors bill materials and labor separately to avoid having to charge sales tax for labor as part of a "lump sum" bill. While labor charges are generally exempt when billed separately, sales tax will still be added to the cost of materials needed for basement waterproofing in Chicago. Chicago's combined sales tax rate is 10.25% when you combine a 6.25% Illinois sales tax, 1.75% Cook County sales tax, 1.25% Chicago sales tax, and 1% special tax.

Insurance

Chicago contractors are required to carry minimum insurance amounts. While amounts vary based on factors such as the scope of work and the number of employees, contractors pay monthly premiums for coverage that includes workers' compensation, commercial liability insurance with a $1 million limit, automobile liability insurance, and umbrella coverage. These requirements can add hundreds of dollars per month to the operating costs of a Chicago contractor.

Licensing Certification

While there is no statewide contractor licensing requirement in Illinois, Chicago contractors must obtain a general contractor's license before they can work on construction, alteration, repair, and demolition projects. Additionally, specialty licenses are required for any contractors who also handle plumbing and electrical work that could be part of a larger basement waterproofing project. With licensing costs in Chicago ranging from $750 to $2,000, this is one of the most expensive cities for contractors to operate in.

Does Basement Waterproofing Increase Home Value?

Yes, the return on investment (ROI) for waterproofing your basement in Chicago can be as high as 80%. Waterproofing helps maintain a home's value by greatly reducing the risks of water damage and mold. Waterproofing can be a smart preventative option for avoiding the heavy water damage restoration cost that comes after a flooding event. With space being limited in the city, turning a basement into a usable area using waterproofing can also add value to a home.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

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’ve surveyed thousands of 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. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.