Is it better to waterproof a basement from the inside or outside?

• <div><p>Whether to waterproof your basement from the interior or exterior depends on several factors, including your budget.</p><p>Exterior waterproofing is generally considered the superior method because it stops water at the source, preventing it from seeping into and damaging your basement walls. This approach offers the most protection, making it ideal if you use your basement for storage.</p><p>By contrast, interior waterproofing is often less expensive and requires less labor because the area is more accessible.</p><p>For maximum protection against water leakage and moisture, applying waterproofing measures to both the inside and outside is the best solution. However, if you must choose only one, stopping water from the outside is the most effective approach to preserve your foundation and prevent damage.</p></div>

How do I remove standing water around the foundation?

• <div><p>French drains and yard grading systems are two highly effective ways to fix standing water around the foundation. Since the French drain uses a perforated pipe covered by gravel, you won’t have to worry about water taking the soil away from your foundation. Meanwhile, yard grading levels out the ground to prevent water from gathering around your foundation.</p></div>

Get matched with top basement waterproofing pros in Chico, CA

Q: What is the most challenging part of finishing a basement?

• <div><p>Physically, the most challenging part of finishing a basement is installing egress windows or doors when the space is below ground level. Mentally, the hardest part may be envisioning the project and planning around load-bearing and mechanical obstacles.</p></div>

Q: Can an underground downspout damage my foundation?

• <div><p>If not properly maintained, an underground downspout may damage your home's foundation. A clogged downspout can back up, causing water to pool around the base of your home and seep into the foundation. Regular inspections and maintenance keep your downspout in good working order, preventing damage and protecting your home.</p></div>

Q: How hard is it to add a basement to an existing house?

• <div><p>The difficulty of adding a basement to an existing house can vary depending on the house&rsquo;s location, the size of the basement, and the type and condition of the existing foundation. Adding a basement is a job best handled by the pros, so you&rsquo;ll need to enlist professional help for this project.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your basement waterproofing project in Chico, CA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Basement Waterproofing pros in Chico, CA

*The Angi rating for Basement Waterproofing companies in Chico, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Basement Waterproofing needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Basement Waterproofing companies in Chico, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Basement Waterproofing needs.

Last update on December 27, 2024

Reviewed in December 2024
A Christmas Blessing! Cody arrived up Dec.26 after my xmas eve text, had crew and materials same day, and tarped entire roof area same afternoon. We had been having terrible leaks due to storms and now we don't! Just excellent work, made the process easy, and will use again. Thanks guys!!
Thurman Roofing and Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2024
John did a great job - very efficient and thorough. My gutters were overflowing in the rain and now everything works as it should. Very pleased.
Escue Cleaning
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2024
I work for the Garland Company, we are a roofing and waterproofing manufacturer. As the manufacturer, we hold the final warranty for the project. One of the hardest avenues of my job is to find a professional and quality contractors to install our products. When I have the opportunity to work...
United Building Contractors Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2024
LaCombe Concrete is great. Professional, good price, fast and efficient. The crew works as a team, answer any questions you have and go out of there way to make you happy. You will not be disappointed if you have LaCombe do work for you.
LaCombe Curb and Concrete
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2024
I want to be careful not to sound as if I've been paid to write this! I am a sixty five year old female living in a house built in 1978. I do many things on my own, but when it comes to electrical I'm lost. Pete is a rare find. Someone who completely knows what he is doing and goes the extra...
Pete Galvany Electric Co.
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2024
It was terrific.Two full days of work and worked through the rain on the second day. Very efficient and completed 7 jobs.
Heckerson Landscape Contracting
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2023
The Roof Service Tech called first that morning, to confirm the appointment and arrived on time. He was courteous, knowledgeable, and started trouble shooting right away. He found the leak from inside my attic, he also found a few other problem areas. He then went up on the roof to inspect all...
Tugwell Roofing Co.
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2023
I highly recommend AT concrete! They are professional, timely, within budget and have top notch customer service.
A.T., Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2023
We hired Hector and his crew to make a path around the side of our house, add a retaining wall, level the yard, and put in new sod with an extension on our sprinkler system. It turned out great! They worked through the rain and kept in close communication with us as questions came up. We would...
HG Landscapes
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2022
Jesse found a fault in PGEs line that was dangerous and a potential fire risk. He alerted PGE and they got their equipment fixed! Jesse is professional, thorough and friendly. He has up to date equipment and he shows up when your water is down! I run a small farm and can't be without...
Advanced Water Pump Services
Request a quote

Find Basement waterproofing pros in Chico

Groundworks

5.0(

)

Serving Chico, CA and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"The team went above and beyond to make sure we understood everything that was being done during the project. Very kind and respectful team. Great work. Thanks to Foreman Erick Baez chia Juan Ortega, Bricio Contreras, Aamuel Ayala, Alonso Castaneda and Juan Valenzuela Diaz."

+16

82 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Palm Construction, Inc.

5.0(

112

)

Serving Chico, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Very professional. Completed the job in two weeks. The deliverables were as promised. They were very independent, requiring only minimal involvement from the client. However, communication with the owner could be enhanced a bit."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Chico, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very professional and upfront. I have not had the septic installed yet. I am working with them on other components in my project. Very easy to work with and very helpful. I will continue to use services from Concrete Unlimited. Concrete is not all they do. Unlimited is the operative word with Concrete Unlimited. Possibilities are unlimited."

+40

Response time2 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Serving Chico, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I only use James when I need some work done to my house. He responds fast, gets the work done quicker than just about anyone else I've ever used and seems very concerned with leaving his customers happy."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

Request Quote

Basement Waterproofing questions, answered by experts

Physically, the most challenging part of finishing a basement is installing egress windows or doors when the space is below ground level. Mentally, the hardest part may be envisioning the project and planning around load-bearing and mechanical obstacles.

If not properly maintained, an underground downspout may damage your home's foundation. A clogged downspout can back up, causing water to pool around the base of your home and seep into the foundation. Regular inspections and maintenance keep your downspout in good working order, preventing damage and protecting your home.

The difficulty of adding a basement to an existing house can vary depending on the house’s location, the size of the basement, and the type and condition of the existing foundation. Adding a basement is a job best handled by the pros, so you’ll need to enlist professional help for this project.

Whether to waterproof your basement from the interior or exterior depends on several factors, including your budget.

Exterior waterproofing is generally considered the superior method because it stops water at the source, preventing it from seeping into and damaging your basement walls. This approach offers the most protection, making it ideal if you use your basement for storage.

By contrast, interior waterproofing is often less expensive and requires less labor because the area is more accessible.

For maximum protection against water leakage and moisture, applying waterproofing measures to both the inside and outside is the best solution. However, if you must choose only one, stopping water from the outside is the most effective approach to preserve your foundation and prevent damage.

French drains and yard grading systems are two highly effective ways to fix standing water around the foundation. Since the French drain uses a perforated pipe covered by gravel, you won’t have to worry about water taking the soil away from your foundation. Meanwhile, yard grading levels out the ground to prevent water from gathering around your foundation.

The Chico, CA homeowners’ guide to basement waterproofing services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Lawrence Bonk
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
How Much Does Basement Waterproofing Cost? [2026 Data]
Need to fix basement water problems or safeguard your home from damage in the future? Use this basement waterproofing cost guide to budget appropriately.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Finish a Basement? [2026 Data]
An unfinished basement has a lot of potential for a family room or guest suite. So how much does it cost to finish a basement? Read on for all cost factors.
Catherine Hiles
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
How to Fix a Leaky Basement
A basement offers additional living or storage space, but if it leaks, it can become a significant headache. Learn how to fix a leaky basement and prevent water damage.
Lawrence Bonk
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
How to Keep Your Crawl Space Dry: 9 Tips to Prevent Moisture
Dealing with a damp crawl space? Use these eight simple tips to get rid of the moisture and water-related problems once and for all.
Mariel Loveland
•
May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
Everything You Need to Know About Basement Waterproofing Warranties
Your basement waterproofing warranty may not cover as much as you think it does. Use this guide to help you understand the fine print before you sign a contract.
Dan Simms
•
Apr 8, 2026Apr 8, 2026
How to Get Rid of Musty Smells in Your Basement for Good: 4 Options and Prevention Methods
Wondering how to get rid of musty smells in your basement? Get rid of them permanently using this DIY guide and learn when to call a pro.