Basement Waterproofing Cost in Indianapolis [2026 Data]

Despite having a lower cost of living than the typical U.S. state, basement waterproofing costs in Indianapolis are about 27% higher than the national average. On average, homeowners spend $6,553 for basement waterproofing in Indy, but prices can range from $2,716 to $10,527.

Basements are an important feature in Indianapolis for tornado safety and the region’s cold winters. Because of Indianapolis’ location near the White River, many houses are within a floodplain and could be subject to flooding—which makes basement waterproofing essential.

Basement Waterproofing Cost Factors 

Multiple factors can influence the cost to waterproof a basement in Indianapolis, Indiana, including the size of the basement, whether the solution is outside or inside, and the method used to waterproof.

Basement Size

The cost to waterproof a basement falls between $4 and $13 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 $3,800 on interior waterproofing services, while extensive exterior services will cost an average of $8,900.

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

Most homeowners do not have the skills or tools necessary to waterproof a basement. Instead, hire a trusted, well-reviewed basement waterproofing company in Indianapolis to tackle the job. Here is how the costs break down:

Labor Costs

Hourly rates will vary, but it’s not unreasonable for a local basement waterproofer to charge upwards of $250 an hour for their services. Get quotes from multiple contractors to find the best rate.

Permits

In some cases, you may need to obtain a drainage permit, plumbing permit, or another type of building permit from the city of Indianapolis when waterproofing your basement. Your contractor should handle this and any other permits, and their quote should reflect the cost. That said, the cost of a drainage permit in Indy is $32 for the application and $78 for the permit itself. Plumbing permits cost $185 for 2,500 square feet or less.

Does Basement Waterproofing Increase Home Value?

Yes, waterproofing your basement does increase your home’s value. Most homeowners get a 30% return on investment when they waterproof their basements. Make sure you advertise this when selling your house; potential buyers will respond positively knowing your basement is safe from potential water damage.

Resale value isn’t the only thing to consider. Waterproofing your basement can also save you lots of money on potential water damage restoration costs down the road.

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 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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