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Does Waterproofing a Basement Increase the Value of a House?

Does Waterproofing a Basement Increase the Value of a House?

Will you be selling your house soon? If this is the case, then waterproofing the basement is a crucial step in increasing the value of your property. If your basement isn’t properly waterproofed, potential buyers may think twice about acquiring your house and may offer less than what it’s worth.

This article will go over the importance of waterproofing a basement before selling a home, the warning signs that indicate your home needs basement waterproofing, the different types of basement waterproofing solutions, and the advantages of doing so. Take a look below to find out!

The Various Basement Waterproofing Methods

Waterproofing the inside and exterior of a basement are the two most common approaches.

Basement Interior Waterproofing

When you waterproof your basement from the inside, you set up a drainage system within the basement’s masonry walls. This setup is designed to gather seepage water and direct it away from your house.

  • Installing a sump pump to drain any standing water is a common technique for waterproofing a basement’s interior.
  • Installing a high-quality water and vapor barrier to seal off the basement walls 
  • Putting up a sump pump and draining system for the sub-slab area.
  • Putting in a dehumidifier to get rid of the damp atmosphere.

Basement Exterior Waterproofing

When you waterproof the exterior of your basement, you dig around the perimeter of your house and apply a membrane or coating that keeps water out. Costing more than inside waterproofing, this strategy is best for avoiding damage from water entering through the walls. The problem is that it does not protect against water pressure beneath the slab. When a leaky wall is a recognized issue, this is a fantastic solution. Water penetration through the slab is not a concern.

  • Excavation of dirt surrounding the house in the affected area is one of the more common external basement waterproofing solutions. 
  • Putting a membrane or covering on the outside of the foundation walls.
  • Put up a drainage system outside your house to collect and direct rainwater away from your foundation.
  • Downspouts were lengthened and grading was adjusted in the affected regions.

Drainage System

A drainage system is a crucial part of any basement waterproofing project. It gathers groundwater near the foundation and channels it away from the house to shield it from flooding.

Basement drainage systems may be split into two categories:

French drains include digging a trench around your basement’s outside edge and installing a pipe system, often bordered by gravel. Excess water is sent to the sump pump and daylight discharge locations, and the trench is refilled with gravel as needed.

Water that pools on the ground can be collected by a surface drain and then channeled away from your house’s structure. Trench drains are commonly installed in front of doors, garages, and other paved areas. 

Why is Basement Waterproofing Important?

The value of your property might take a serious hit from water damage. The structural integrity of your house may be shielded from moisture, mold, and mildew with a properly waterproofed basement. Damage to your home’s foundation, walls, and basement might result from water seepage in the basement. Health problems are another consequence of water damage in your home.

If you want to safeguard your home’s foundation against water seepage that can lead to crack repairs or the construction of a basement water drainage system, then waterproofing your basement is a must. To prevent water from pooling around your house’s base, a drainage system must be installed. This will protect your home from water damage, increase its worth and future evaluation, and strengthen its foundation.

Could a non-waterproofed basement lower the value of your home?

Yes, in a nutshell. Without proper waterproofing, groundwater may leak into your basement, leading to the growth of mold and the accumulation of water and wet. If these things are present in your basement, the value of your property might drop by as much as 25%. This might add up to a significant sum of money, therefore it would be worthwhile to invest in waterproofing your basement. Waterproofing your basement might help protect your property from the financial losses that can result from flooding.

Does Waterproofing a Basement Raise the Value of Your Home?

If you’re wondering “Does basement waterproofing increase home value?” you’re not alone. You’re trying to decide if it’s worthwhile to have your damp basement professionally waterproofed. The short answer is yes; waterproofing WILL boost the value of your house both now and in the future.

To clarify, let’s look at some examples.

The Effects of Waterproofing on Property Value

The value of your property rises in several ways when you waterproof your basement. There is both monetary and non-monetary value associated with some of these. We believe these are all crucial factors to think about. The choice is yours.

It safeguards your home’s base, which is your largest investment.

Increasing your home’s worth depends on your ability to keep it safe first. Water seeping in via fractures in the basement’s walls or floor may indicate that structural damage has already begun. Repairing the foundation and waterproofing the basement can stop future erosion and reinforce the structure of your property. 

Improves the sanitation and air quality of your dwelling

Musty odors and mold spores can flourish in a damp basement. Any member of your household might have breathing problems as a result of it. The quality of the air in your house may be enhanced by waterproofing the basement. Waterproofing naturally decreases humidity because it manages groundwater and diverts it away from your basement walls. Depending on the specifics of your circumstance, a dehumidifier or other ventilation equipment may still be required. Plants and other life forms that require moisture to thrive will struggle to thrive in drier air.  A home with unpleasant odors will sell for less. like buying an old automobile from someone who used to smoke in it.

Potential buyers, real estate agents, and home inspectors will all appreciate a dry basement.

Boosts Energy Efficiency 

Improving your home’s energy efficiency can raise its resale price and decrease your monthly utility bills. If there are holes in the basement’s exterior walls or floor, your HVAC system will have to work more than necessary to keep the house at a comfortable temperature. The dampness in the basement makes it difficult for the air conditioning to do its job in the summer when humidity has to be reduced.

Cracks may be sealed and humidity levels can be reduced with professional basement waterproofing. That means less money spent on utilities, which means your home is more efficient and hence worth more money.

Increases Livable Square Footage

Consider waterproofing and completing your basement before looking for a larger property. Having your basement completed can increase your home’s livable space without breaking the bank. HomeAdvisor estimates that the average cost of a home addition to be between $80-$200 per square foot. But for far less money, you may double or triple your living area simply by waterproofing and renovating your basement. 

If there is a problem with water getting into your basement, you must fix it before you can complete it.  Water seepage might force you to remove and repair flooring and walls if you don’t take preventative measures.

Enhances the Pleasure You Take in Living There

The preceding four pieces serve as preludes to this one. If you have cleaner air, lower utility bills, greater living space, and the knowledge that your home’s foundation is secure, you will be more satisfied there. So will your loved ones. There is no monetary equivalent for that.

Improves the home’s resale value and ease of selling, which brings us to number five.

Here comes the part you’ve all been anticipating. Your home’s selling price will rise when basement waterproofing is completed. When comparing two otherwise identical homes in the same area, one with a professionally waterproofed basement will sell for more money. Even if the basement is unfinished, this holds. If you waterproof and finish your basement, you’ll see a significant rise in your home’s market value.  When trying to sell a house, first impressions are crucial.  Even though a house looks great from the street, if it has a musty odor as you walk in the door, it will take longer to sell and bring in less money.  

Even in a seller’s market, a home with a waterproofed basement will sell faster and for more money. A damp, musty basement or crawl area is a turnoff to many purchasers, while a clean, dry basement is an attractive feature.

Invest in something long-term!

For all you know, the cost of repairing water damage in your basement over time may exceed the cost of waterproofing it once. Waterproofing your basement will save you from having to perform as much routine maintenance and will increase its resale value. Waterproofing your home today is an investment in your family’s health that will pay dividends for years to come.

Put yourself in the position of a buyer. How repulsed would you be if you discovered mold in your basement and water pools there? You get an uneasy sensation just thinking about it. You should probably not buy the house if there are issues like those and instead try to negotiate a lower price. Waterproofing your home gives you an advantage in the real estate market. Although the initial cost to waterproof a basement may seem high, it should be considered an investment. The returns on this expenditure will be substantial over time.

Assessing the Condition of the Basement

As a homeowner, one of your duties is to assess the condition of the basement. The purpose of a house inspection by a prospective buyer is to uncover any issues with the property, such as water damage, insect infestations, and more. Preventative maintenance can save you money on issues down the road and improve your home’s marketability.

Let’s say you’ve discovered wetness or other telltale indicators of a water leak in your basement. If this is the case, it’s ideal to get in touch with professional waterproofing services in San Jose as soon as possible; they’ll be able to assist you restore your basement to its original state, preventing any more damage and making it easier to sell your property.

Basement Waterproofing: Do It Yourself vs. Hire a Pro

Although doing it yourself to save money on basement waterproofing could be appealing, it’s not always the best option. To guarantee that your basement stays dry, it is best to hire a professional firm to handle the task. Finding a local basement waterproofing service that is reliable professionally licensed and insured is your best bet.

Signs Your Basement Needs Waterproofing

The basement’s necessity for waterproofing must be established before any money is spent on the project. Here are a few telltale indications that it’s time to waterproof your basement:

  • Water damage to your basement’s walls and floor
  • Basement scents like mustiness or dampness
  • Infestation of your basement with mold
  • Floor or wall cracks in the basement of your home
  • Paint that is flaking or bubbling on the walls of your basement
  • leaks in your basement’s walls or flooring
  • Discoloration of the basement’s floors and walls 
  • Older or contractor-grade systems have trouble keeping up.

If you see any of these, it’s time to call in the experts for a basement inspection. Find out what kinds of waterproofing and drainage solutions are recommended for your house, and look at them. 

Make Sure You Hire the Best Basement Waterproofing Company

Choosing the appropriate expert business to waterproof your basement is crucial. Ask for recommendations and credentials from any basement waterproofing business you’re considering. After reviewing your home, the provider should present you with an accurate quote. Varying repair and restoration costs are possible, as are payment plans.

In conclusion, there’s little doubt that waterproofing your basement is a good investment that may boost your home’s resale price. It prevents the growth of mold and dampness, two major selling-time turnoffs. One of its primary selling points is the ability to cut consumers’ energy bills. It helps prevent water from entering your basement, which might reassure potential buyers that they won’t have to spend money on costly repairs and cleaning in the future. It also provides you with a completely new usable space, which is always a selling point.