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You can DIY basement waterproofing in some ways to help save on the overall costs. If your basement isn’t experiencing a lot of water but is noticeably humid, you can try running a dehumidifier that will pull the excess water out of the air. If you notice water leaking due to outdoor drainage issues, you can add downspout extensions to keep rainwater away from your home. 

However, if the problem is more severe and requires a more extensive solution, it’s best to call a basement waterproofing professional to assess the treatment you need and install waterproofing safeguards properly. Since keeping water out of your basement is important, ensuring this job is done correctly the first time is best.

Roughing in and connecting utilities are the hardest parts of finishing a basement, and they’re the parts we typically don’t recommend doing as a DIY project. Unfortunately, your finishing timeline can be extended by weeks while you wait for contractors and inspectors to install electrical wiring, plumbing lines, and heating/cooling equipment and carry out inspections.

The best ventilation for a crawl space is a fully encapsulated crawl space with its own separate ventilation system. If you go this route, ensure you have the proper crawl space code requirements done and dusted before encapsulating your crawl space with a moisture barrier and installing appliances that may not be up to the proper specs.

Proper drainage is the only way to ensure that your crawl space stays dry. Depending on your property and the extent of your issue, you might need to consider a gutter system, a French drain, or sump pumps to avoid and handle water and moisture under your home. Dehumidifiers can also help to prevent moisture from accumulating if you have a high-humidity environment.