Basement Waterproofing Cost in Raleigh [2025 Data]

Basements in Raleigh are vulnerable to water problems due to the region’s clay-heavy soils, humid summers, and frequent thunderstorms. Basement waterproofing in Raleigh costs about $4,130 on average, but prices typically range from $2,011 to $6,373 depending on factors like basement size, whether you choose interior or exterior solutions, and the specific waterproofing method required. Taking these conditions into account can help you choose the right system to protect your home and budget for the project.

Basement Waterproofing Cost Factors 

Several key factors affect the cost of basement waterproofing in Raleigh, NC, including your basement’s size, whether you need interior or exterior work, and the specific waterproofing method used. Understanding how each of these elements impacts pricing can help you create an accurate budget for this project.

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

Basement waterproofing in Raleigh comes with more than just material costs. Hiring a pro also means paying fees for things like labor, permits, and taxes. 

Labor

Waterproofing contractors in Raleigh typically charge between $85 and $150 per hour, depending on the complexity of the job. But costs can climb higher for larger basements or exterior projects that require excavation through Raleigh’s clay-heavy soils, which add time and equipment needs.

Permits

Most basement waterproofing jobs that involve structural work, like excavation and sump pump installations, require permits through the City of Raleigh’s Development Services Department. Fees generally range from $200 to $500 for residential waterproofing, though projects that include extensive excavation or grading may incur higher costs.

Licensing and Insurance

Contractors in North Carolina must hold a Residential Contractor license for projects valued at $40,000 or more. Waterproofing pros also need to carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation, which cost them money to maintain, so these fees are often factored into their pricing. 

Taxes

In Raleigh, basement waterproofing projects are subject to North Carolina’s combined state and local sales tax, which is about 7.25%. Unlike some states, which only tax materials, taxes in Ryleigh typically apply to both materials and contractor labor, so make sure to factor it into your overall project budget.

Does Basement Waterproofing Increase Home Value?

Basement waterproofing in Raleigh doesn’t typically provide a direct return on investment, but it still helps to protect your home’s value by preventing costly water damage, mold growth, and structural issues common in the region’s humid, storm-prone climate. A dry, usable basement also adds functional living or storage space and makes a property more attractive to buyers, who often view a history of water problems as a dealbreaker.

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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