Basement Waterproofing Cost in Kansas City [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $1,503 - $6,494

Basement waterproofing in Kansas City, MO, costs $3,708, on average, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $1,503 and $6,494 for a complete waterproofing system.

How we get this data
Basement living room interior
Iriana Shiyan / Adobe Stock Photography
Basement living room interior
Iriana Shiyan / Adobe Stock Photography
Cost Insights
  • Kansas City's high humidity and substantial annual rainfall totals make basement waterproofing crucial for maintaining dry basements.

  • Overall, lower labor costs help keep pricing for basement waterproofing in Kansas City below the national average.

  • The mix of flat terrain and gentle rolling hills in Kansas City and the surrounding suburbs can make exterior waterproofing, which keeps moisture away from a home's foundation, the best option.

With the average basement waterproofing cost in Kansas City at $3,708, local homeowners can expect to pay well below the national average to guard their homes against $1,503 to $6,494 water intrusion. Overall, pricing for this project in Kansas City ranges from. While lower labor costs help to bring pricing down, pricing can vary based on the type of waterproofing solution you choose for your home.

Basement Waterproofing Cost Factors 

Contractors look at a few different factors when pricing estimates for basement waterproofing in Kansas City. You can expect them to inspect your basement to look for things like signs of existing basement water damage or vulnerable points for water intrusion. In addition, factors like your property's slope and orientation can make some waterproofing options more effective than others. With Kansas City's mix of flat terrain and gently rolling slopes, exterior waterproofing options that keep water away from a home's foundation are often preferred. Your budget and preferences for maintenance are also added to the equation.

8 signs basement waterproofing is needed illustrated, including mold, leaks, and musty smells

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.

Basement Size (Sq. Ft.)Average Cost Range
300$600–$1,800
500$1,000–$3,000
700$1,400–$4,200
900$1,800–$5,400
1,000$2,000–$6,000
1,200$2,400–$7,200
1,500$3,000–$9,000
1,700$3,400–$10,200
2,000$4,000–$12,000

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.

Waterproofing MethodInterior or ExteriorAverage Cost Range
Subfloor drain tile systemInterior$20–$38 per square foot
Sump pumpInterior$800–$1,450
DehumidifiersInterior$500–$1,100 each
Vapor barriersInterior$900–$2,000
Weeping tiles / interior French drainExterior / Interior$50–$90 per square foot
Baseboard channelsInterior$20–$25 per linear foot
Yard gradingExterior$250–$2,200
Underground downspoutExterior$200–$1,500
Waterproofing paintInterior$1–$4.50 per square foot
Liquid membrane waterproofingExterior$1.50–$5 per square foot

Basement Waterproofing Pro Costs

Professional basement waterproofing companies in Kansas City generally price projects based on scope and complexity. While labor accounts for roughly half of this project's cost, final material costs factor in all local and state taxes that apply.

Permits

Most sealants and membranes used for basement waterproofing don't require permits. However, you're likely to need a permit in Kansas City if you've picked a waterproofing solution involving foundation changes, drainage systems, plumbing, or electrical. For example, adding sump pumps and drainage would require permits. Permits generally range in price from $30 to $125.

Local Labor

Hourly rates for basement waterproofing pros in Kansas City, MO, range from $124 to $175. Expect labor rates to account for a larger portion of your project cost if your chosen waterproofing solution requires substantial digging that will require several workers.

Taxes

Kansas City's combined state and city sales tax rate of 8.41% is applied to the materials your contractor will procure for this project.

Insurance

Kansas City requires contractors to obtain general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Depending on how many people a contractor employs, monthly rates can total $97 to $225 on average.

Licensing and Certification

All contractors offering services for major projects like basement waterproofing must be licensed through the Kansas City City Planning and Development. The costs to take the required exam ($200) and apply for a contractor license ($167) contribute to how local contractors set their rates.

Does Basement Waterproofing Increase Home Value?

Depending on the neighborhood, a waterproofed basement can have a return on investment between 70% and 80%. Kansas City's high humidity levels put basements at risk of moisture damage and mold that could lead to expensive water damage restoration costs if problems are overlooked.

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 extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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.

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