Basement waterproofing costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Basements are rare in Houston, but waterproofing yours is essential if you have one.
Houston is prone to flash floods and heavy rainfall during storms.
Waterproofing a basement costs 25% more in Houston than in the average U.S. city.
The size of the basement and the method used to waterproof impact costs.
On average, basement waterproofing in Houston costs $5,509, though prices range from $4,515 to $7,000. These prices are roughly 25% higher than the national average.
For many Houstonians, this may be shocking because, despite being one of the largest cities in the U.S., Houston has one of the lowest costs of living, especially for big metros. However, basements aren’t common in Houston (or any part of Texas) because foundations don’t need to be built as deep; that means fewer trained contractors are available, which can drive up basement waterproofing costs in Houston.
Given Houston’s proximity to the Gulf and propensity for flash floods, it’s imperative to waterproof your basement if your home has one.
Several factors can impact how much it costs to waterproof a basement in Houston, Texas. The biggest factor, of course, is size—and unfortunately (in this case), everything is bigger in Texas. The method used to waterproof the basement will also affect how much you pay.
The cost to waterproof a basement falls between $3.75 and $12.50 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 | $1,875–$6,250 |
| 750 | $2,815–$9,375 |
| 1,000 | $3,750–$12,500 |
| 1,250 | $4,700–$15,625 |
| 1,500 | $5,625–$18,750 |
| 2,000 | $7,500–$25,000 |
The cost to waterproof a basement falls between $3.75 and $12.50 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 | Average Cost to Waterproof |
|---|---|
| 500 | $1,875–$6,250 |
| 750 | $2,815–$9,375 |
| 1,000 | $3,750–$12,500 |
| 1,250 | $4,700–$15,625 |
| 1,500 | $5,625–$18,750 |
| 2,000 | $7,500–$25,000 |
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 $3,750 on interior waterproofing services, while extensive exterior services will cost an average of $8,750.
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 | $12.50–$125 per linear foot |
| Gutter system | $5–$50 per linear foot |
| Liquid membrane waterproofing | $3.75–$7.50 per square foot |
| Yard grading | $625–$3,750 for full project |
| Dehumidifiers | $1,000–$2,500 per dehumidifier |
| Silicate concrete sealers | $3.75–$11.25 per square foot |
| Sump pump | $1,500–$3,125 |
| Vapor barrier | $1,875–$3,750 for full project |
Because we do not recommend waterproofing your basement on your own, it’s imperative that you find a trusted, well-reviewed basement waterproofing contractor near you to tackle this job. Here are the costs involved.
Labor for this job can get expensive; it’s not unreasonable for a Houston basement waterproofing contractor to charge upwards of $250 an hour, but this will vary by company. Get multiple quotes to compare and ensure you get the best price.
Depending on the method of waterproofing, particularly if there is excavation or alterations to the foundation, you may need to obtain a permit from the city of Houston. Your contractor will likely obtain this for you and factor the cost of the permit into your quote, but always ask to confirm.
Absolutely, waterproofing a basement can increase a home’s value in Houston, Texas. On average, basement waterproofing projects have a 30% return on investment. In Texas, potential homebuyers may be less accustomed to having a basement, so they’ll be more likely to move forward with an offer knowing the basement is already taken care of.
Plus, waterproofing a basement adds value even if you don’t plan to sell your home. After all, given Houston’s history with flooding, you could save a lot of money on water damage restoration costs by proactively waterproofing your basement.
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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