Get matched with top basement waterproofing pros in Wickes, AR

Generally, moisture barrier padding costs $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot, varying by brand and mix. That’s a lot more than standard padding, which runs $0.25 to $0.90 per square foot. The price difference between these two options might seem steep, but think of it as insurance against future carpet replacement costs and subfloor damage. If you have pets or kids, that extra investment in high-risk areas like your living room often pays off.

When considering finishing your basement, take into account a few pros and cons:

Pros

• Can increase the value of your home

• Separate space from the rest of the house 

• Customize and personalize the basement to suit your needs and style

• Increase the amount of living space in your home

Cons

• May not regain enough value to cover the cost of finishing

• Lack of natural light if it’s below ground level

• Moisture or flooding can cause costly damage

• Installing plumbing and electrical can be messy and costly

Due to the nature of basements, some level of waterproofing is necessary to prevent water from seeping in and causing damage. Some definitive signs that your basement needs waterproofing measures or needs existing waterproofing measures need to be updated include:

• Water in your basement, including damp walls or puddles on the floor

• Mold spots in your basement

• Musty smells or odors

• Warped doors or walls

• Cracks in walls

• Insect issues, such as cockroaches and termites

Yes, crawl spaces can attract bugs, especially since moisture tends to build up in the space, and moisture attracts pests. A good way to prevent pest infestation in your crawl space is to install a vapor barrier—called crawl space encapsulation—on the interior to seal the space, along with a French drain or some other kind of foundation drainage system outside to keep runoff out of your crawl space. You can also seal foundation cracks and repair damages to cut off access to pests.