Basement waterproofing costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Risks for frequent and severe flooding make basement waterproofing an important project for homeowners in St. Louis.
With risks for water intrusion high, more intensive waterproofing efforts like drainage and sump pumps are often recommended over simple membranes or sealants.
Lower labor costs help to keep basement waterproofing costs in St. Louis below the average.
The average basement waterproofing cost in St. Louis at $3,248, so homeowners can expect to pay between $1,431 and $5,097. The costs for this project vary depending on the type of waterproofing option you select. For instance, drainage and sump pumps can be more expensive in terms of labor and permits compared to simpler options like waterproof membranes and sealants. Continue reading to learn more about the costs associated with this project.
St. Louis's reputation for frequent and severe flooding means local homeowners need to be very diligent about basement waterproofing. In many cases, excavation for installing drains in and around a basement is necessary to divert large amounts of water away from the foundation. Your St. Louis basement waterproofing contractor will take factors like your basement's layout, your property's orientation, and existing signs of basement water damage that reveal entryways for water intrusion into account.
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 | $450–$1,500 |
| 500 | $750–$2,500 |
| 700 | $1,050–$3,500 |
| 900 | $1,350–$4,500 |
| 1000 | $1,500–$5,000 |
| 1200 | $1,800–$6,000 |
| 1500 | $2,250–$7,500 |
| 1700 | $2,550–$8,500 |
| 1900 | $2,850–$9,500 |
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.
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 Method | Interior or Exterior | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Epoxy injection | Interior | $500–$1,000 per crack |
| Sump pump | Interior | $800–$1,450 |
| Subfloor drain tile system | Interior | $20–$40 per square foot |
| Dehumidifiers | Interior | $500–$1,100 |
| Vapor barrier | Interior | $900–$2,000 |
| Weeping tiles / interior French drain | Exterior / Interior | $50–$90 per square foot |
| Baseboard channels | Interior | $20–$25 per linear foot |
| Yard grading | Exterior | $250–$2,200 |
| Gutter system | Exterior | $3–$30 per linear foot |
| Liquid membrane waterproofing | Exterior | $1.50–$5 per square foot |
Basement waterproofing companies in St. Louis charge clients based on the scope of each custom waterproofing project. Lower overall labor costs in St. Louis help to make waterproofing less expensive compared to many other cities.
Depending on how much excavation and structural work you need done for the waterproofing method you've chosen, you may or may not need permits. Permits are generally required in St. Louis when making structural alterations to your home's foundation or yard. In addition, any electrical work required for things like pumps or drains may require permits. Permits for this type of work range from $45 to $175.
On average, basement waterproofing professionals in St. Louis, MO charge between $98 and $130 per hour. Expect labor to increase for larger waterproofing projects that require a full crew compared to single-person projects that might include applying waterproofing sealants.
All materials purchased locally for a basement waterproofing project could be subject to a 4.23% Missouri sales tax rate and a 5.45% St. Louis sales tax rate.
Contractors in St. Louis are generally required to hold general liability insurance. If they have employees, they must carry workers' compensation insurance. Insurance premiums can cost the average local contractor $89 to $300 monthly.
While Missouri doesn't have a statewide general contractor license, all contractors performing work in St. Louis must hold a Construction Industry Contractor Graduated Business License (GBL). Contractors incur costs of $24 for new licenses and $220 for annual renewals.
Yes, return on investment is high for basement waterproofing in St. Louis because the area is at risk for severe flooding. Basement waterproofing can help homeowners retain home value and avoid potential water damage restoration costs.
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They did a really good job waterproofing my basement. The crew was professional, arrived on time, and explained the entire process before getting started, and completed the job with great attention to detail. It's clear they take pride in their work. I'd definitely recommend...
General Installation SystemsI’ve used them for several different projects. Window replacement, basement windows and door replacement, E Shield attic insulation and windows and siding on my back porch.
Midtown Home Improvements, Inc. (St. Louis)Andrew and team were out very quickly and worked in a storm to get our sewer lines unclogged so we did not take on more water. We had another big rain storm the following week with no more water backing up into the basement!
Zoom Drain St. LouisThey were super professional and did a great job with my project. They were efficient and cleaned up the space well. I have had no issues with water in my basement anymore. They also answered all of my questions ahead of committing to the project and talked through everything well.
Spartan Ram JackMatt was great to work with. He took time walking around the house with me and discussing options, even though this was a relatively small job ($1700). His bid a bit more than another bid, but he included waterproofing and I was impressed with his thoroughness. After the work was done,...
M&R Tuckpointing and RestorationOutstanding customer service and didn’t push me into spending more than I needed. Gave me a great deal on my basement repair. Gave me a great repair solution and it seems to be holding back all the water. With the ton of rain, my basement is dry. Would call them again for other repairs I need.
Stratum Structural SystemsI cannot praise this company highly enough. They did a fantastic job cleaning up my-basement after the sewer flooded. They went above and beyond the requirements of the job. The job was resonantly priced and completed in a short amount of time.
Pride Cleaning & Restoration, Inc.Superb job on my basement floor and ceiling.
Andrew did a fantastic job. He was very knowledgeable and explained the pros and cons of the different waterproofing methods he recommended I apply to my basement foundation to make sure it stayed sealed long term. He was very professional, a good communicator, cleaned up after himself, and...
They also replace 3 basement windows, one upstairs window and installed E-shield insulation. I will use them again for more home improvements in the future.
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