Yes. Water can penetrate through a concrete foundation wall. This can happen whether or not you have cracks, as concrete is a porous material. You’ll want to take steps to waterproof your basement or crawl space.

In some circumstances, foundation refacing or repair may be a better option for your home than sealing a foundation. It’s always a good idea to take steps to prevent moisture problems in your foundation, but if there are any structural concerns, those will usually need to be fixed first. When dealing with foundation issues, it’s a good idea to get a professional opinion so you can avoid bigger problems down the road. 

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 your basement often leaks after heavy rain, it’s probably caused by hydrostatic pressure. When the ground is saturated with water, it can put pressure on the exterior of your home’s foundation, causing cracks in the basement wall and pushing water through any existing weak spots. Over time, hydrostatic pressure can cause structural damage to your home.