A variety of factors can affect your total crawl space encapsulation cost. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of this project, whether you hire a pro or DIY.
Basement Waterproofing Cost in Philadelphia [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $3,372 - $7,830
Basement waterproofing in Philadelphia, PA, costs $5,381, on average, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $3,372 and $7,830 for a complete waterproofing system.
How we get this data
Iriana Shiyan / Adobe Stock Photography
Iriana Shiyan / Adobe Stock Photography
Cost Insights
Basements are common in Philadelphia, especially in historic row homes.
Philadelphia gets more precipitation than the average U.S. city.
Thus, waterproofing your Philadelphia basement is crucial.
Basement waterproofing costs depend on the size of your basement and the method used.
You can boost your home’s value by waterproofing the basement.
Waterproofing a basement in Philadelphia costs about 4% more than the national average; that’s right in line with Philly’s cost of living: 4% more than the national average. On average, Phillies pay about $5,381 for basement waterproofing, though prices might run between $3,372 and $7,830.
Basements are common in Philadelphia homes; historic row homes may even have basements with exterior entrances. Because Philadelphia gets more precipitation than the average U.S. city, it’s especially important to waterproof your basement in the City of Brotherly Love.
Basement Waterproofing Cost Factors
Several factors can impact the cost to waterproof a basement in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, including the size of the basement, whether you address the issue outside or inside, and the method used.
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 to Waterproof |
|---|---|
| 500 | $1,500–$5,000 |
| 750 | $2,250–$7,500 |
| 1,000 | $3,000–$10,000 |
| 1,250 | $3,750–$12,250 |
| 1,500 | $4,500–$15,000 |
| 2,000 | $6,000–$20,000 |
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 $3,125 on interior waterproofing services, while extensive exterior services will cost an average of $7,275.
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.
| Method | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| French drain | $10–$100 per linear foot |
| Gutter system | $4–$42 per linear foot |
| Liquid membrane waterproofing | $3–$6 per square foot |
| Yard grading | $525–$3,125 for full project |
| Dehumidifiers | $825–$2,075 per dehumidifier |
| Silicate concrete sealers | $3–$9 per square foot |
| Sump pump | $1,250–$2,600 |
| Vapor barrier | $1,550–$3,125 for full project |
Basement Waterproofing Pro Costs
Because we don’t recommend waterproofing your basement on your own (it’s a complex task for which most homeowners aren’t equipped), you’ll need to find a trusted Philadelphia basement waterproofing company. Below, we’ve broken down the two main costs associated with the labor.
Labor Costs
On average, basement waterproofing specialists charge $210 an hour for their services, though this can vary by company. Get quotes from at least three contractors to ensure you get a fair price.
Permits
Depending on the scope of work, you may need to obtain a permit from the city of Philadelphia. Your local basement waterproofer can advise if a permit is necessary and should obtain it on your behalf.
The cost of the permit will typically be factored into their price; in general, Philly charges $25 for the first $1,000 of work being done, plus another $20 for each additional $1,000 of work.
Does Basement Waterproofing Increase Home Value?
Hoping to add value to your home? Waterproofing your basement can boost your home’s value; the typical ROI for such a project is 30%. Homeowners are more willing to put in an offer—and for more money—when they feel confident they don’t have to worry about a basement that floods. This assurance is especially important when selling a historic Philadelphia home, whose basements naturally get wet.
Not only will you boost your home’s value by waterproofing your basement, but you may also save yourself some money down the road on water damage restoration costs.
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.
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