An unfinished basement has a lot of potential. So, how much does it cost to finish a basement in Portland, OR? Read on for all cost factors.
Basement Waterproofing Cost in Portland, OR [2026 Data]
Basement waterproofing costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
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Highlights
Portland's persistent rain creates concerns for wetness and dampness in Portland basements.
While local homes aren't usually at risk for flooding, letting basements remain damp and moist can lead to long-term mold issues.
While costs for basement waterproofing in Portland are above average, homeowners do get relief from the fact that Portland is one of the only states without sales tax. In most other states, the materials needed for basement waterproofing are subject to state and city taxes.
Homeowners looking for ways to keep their basements dry against Portland's persistent rainfall can explore basement waterproofing. On average, the cost for basement waterproofing in Portland is $4,407. However, homeowners are paying between $2,094 and $6,720 for different waterproofing options. Your contractor will use details such as basement size, your preference for interior versus exterior waterproofing, and other factors to compile a quote for Portland basement waterproofing for you.
Basement Waterproofing Cost Factors
Your contractor will conduct an inspection of your home's basement and foundation to help you create a plan for waterproofing. Things like weak spots for water intrusion, visible signs of basement water damage, and your home's orientation will all be factored into a plan for keeping water out.
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 | $1,200–$3,300 |
| 500 | $2,000–$5,500 |
| 700 | $2,800–$7,700 |
| 900 | $3,600–$9,900 |
| 1,000 | $4,000–$11,000 |
| 1,200 | $4,800–$13,200 |
| 1,500 | $6,000–$16,500 |
| 1,700 | $6,800–$18,700 |
| 2,000 | $8,000–$22,000 |
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 Method | Interior or Exterior | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Dehumidifiers | Interior | $500–$1,200 each |
| Vapor barriers | Interior | $1,250–$2,200 |
| Weeping tiles / interior French drain | Exterior / Interior | $65–$110 per square foot |
| Baseboard channels | Interior | $25–$40 per linear foot |
| Yard grading | Exterior | $300–$2,600 |
| Underground downspout | Exterior | $225–$1,900 |
| Gutter system | Exterior | $4–$50 per linear foot |
| Liquid membrane | Exterior | $3–$5 per square foot |
Basement Waterproofing Pro Costs
Basement waterproofing companies in Portland set prices for waterproofing based on the amount of materials and work hours needed to complete the project. Generally, labor accounts for 40% to 60% of total waterproofing costs. Contractors build costs for things like licensing and insurance into their rates.
Permits
In general, any type of basement waterproofing or finishing project in Portland requires a permit. While minor waterproofing efforts that include adding waterproofing paints or membranes may not require permits, you'll need a permit if your project involves structural changes, earthmoving equipment on the exterior of your foundation, yard grading, plumbing, or electric work. Expect to pay a minimum of $153 to $202 for a basic renovation permit in Portland.
Local Labor
On average, basement waterproofing professionals in Portland charge between $180 and $220 hourly. Rates are generally higher when multiple workers are needed for a basement project because contractors need to account for things like wages and workers' compensation insurance.
Taxes
Homeowners don't have to worry about paying state or local sales tax for the materials purchased for this project because Oregon does not have sales tax.
Insurance
It is necessary to hold both general liability insurance and a surety bond in order to remain licensed as a contractor in Oregon. Contractors with employees must also cover costs for workers' compensation insurance. Insurance costs can total $119 to $390 for the average contractor.
Licensing and Certification
Contractors in Portland, Oregon must be licensed by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) before doing any work valued above $1,000. In addition to undergoing pre-licensing education, contractors must pay a two-year licensing fee costing $400.
Does Basement Waterproofing Increase Home Value?
Yes, basement waterproofing is considered a sound investment for Portland homeowners. While Portland isn't prone to severe flooding, general dampness and moisture presence are common concerns for homeowners. By waterproofing a basement, a homeowner can reduce risks for mold and mildew that can dramatically decrease home value or require expensive renovations.
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.
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.
Basement waterproofing services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Portland, OR
4.6★ avg. • 95 total reviews
- Thomas S.
We needed our basement drywalled and Julio and his team did a great job and everything looks really great. Happy with this job and the work he did. Great price for the work
ALPHA TEAM INSTALLERS & FINISHERS LLC - Jake M.
Had that sinking feeling when I went down to the basement after some heavy rain and heard... nothing. Sump pump was just sitting there like a paperweight. Not good. Called Hello Projects kinda panicking because I had no clue what was wrong with it. They came out same day actually, which...
Hello Projects Pro - Russell V.
Roger came out to look at my flooded basement. He knew i needed a new sump pump. He dispatched an employee within hours and I had my basement cleared and a new pump installed within the day. They did great work, had a fair price and are good people. I highly recommend them. They care...
- Corrine W.
Travis and his team were absolutely awesome. From the moment I first spoke with him on the phone about the issue, I felt like he was trustworthy. I had called him for a 2nd opinion on a kitchen drain pipe that was blocked and traversed the entire floor of our finished basement. We had to...
Executive Drains LLC. - Corrie W.
Travis and his team did a repair of a drain pipe under the concrete floor of our finished basement. This involved jackhammering, replacing the pipe and repouring concrete (about a 4 day job). It's one of the worst repairs a homeowner can have to go through, but working with Executive...
Executive Drains, LLC - Carol M.
Friends who know what our basement looked like before are flabbergasted. The information they send you after you contact them is super educational and everyone was prompt, polite, and professional. Wish we'd done this sooner.
John's Waterproofing Co. - Helen C.
The pro was running late because of traffic but called to let me know what was going on. He was thorough, knowledgeable, and assure me that I do not have the mold that I suspected that I had in my basement. He suggested that a humidifier would help get rid or moisture.
Armored Restoration - Megan M.
Cleared the basement drain but almost nothing came out, I was skeptical that the problem was solved but it was draining so I let it go. Stared backing up again a little over a month later. Wouldn’t guarantee work past 30 days. Now I’m finding someone else to clear it again.
ProDrain & Rooter Service - Chris B.
We were battling rats for some time in our basement, and Pest Plus helped us finally solve the problem. It took some escalation as the standard procedures they use only worked for a short period of time in our case. The problem was a small portion of our basement cement had been opened to...
Pest Plus, LLC - David D.
This website wont let me specify what was actually done - it was far more than an inspection. The crew jackhammered out a section of basement floor, installed a drain pipe and sump pump, special channel and a kind of vinyl wall covering to direct any wall seepage to the drain and then the...
Upfront Construction, LLC
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