Are you considering selling your home? If so, basement waterproofing is one of the most important steps to maximizing your home value. Potential buyers may think twice about purchasing without proper basement waterproofing and can offer a far 10-15% comparable home for your property value than if it were protected against water damage.
In this article, we’ll discuss basement waterproofing, signs that your home needs basement waterproofing, types of basement waterproofing solutions, benefits, and why taking proactive measures before listing your real estate investment can make all the difference in achieving maximum return on investment when selling your home. Read on to learn more!
Why is Basement Waterproofing Important?
Water damage can have a significant impact on your home’s value. A waterproofed basement can protect your home’s foundation from water damage, mold, and mildew. When water seeps into your home’s basement, it can weaken the structure, causing cracks, foundation leaks, and other structural damage. Water damage can also affect your family’s overall health.
Waterproofing your basement can increase flooding prevention and mold prevention as well as help protect your foundation from water seepage that can cause structural damage and require crack repairs or installation of basement water drainage systems. It involves installing a drainage system that redirects water away from your home’s foundation. This can help prevent water damage and will help in enhancing home value, its appraisal value in the future, and its structural integrity.
Signs Your Basement Needs Waterproofing
Before you invest in basement waterproofing, it’s essential to determine if your basement needs it. Some signs that your basement needs waterproofing to include the following:
- Visible water stains on the walls and floors of your basement
- Musty or damp odors in your basement
- Mold growth in your basement
- Cracks in your home basement floors or walls
- Peeling or bubbling paint on your basement walls
- Water seepage through your basement walls or floors
- Discoloration on floors and walls in the basement
- Contractor grade or older systems struggle to keep up
If you notice any of these signs, your home should have a professional inspect your basement. Receive and evaluate any recommended waterproofing or drainage solutions for your home.
Types of Basement Waterproofing
There are two main types of basement waterproofing such as interior and exterior.
Basement Interior Waterproofing
Interior basement waterproofing involves installing a drainage system inside your basement walls. This system collects water that seeps through your walls and channels it away from your home.
Some standard interior basement waterproofing methods include:
- Installing a sump pump to remove excess water from your basement.
- Sealing basement walls with a high-grade water and vapor barrier
- Installing an under-slab drain system to collect water and direct it to a sump pump.
- Installing a dehumidifier to eliminate excess moisture from the air.
Basement Exterior Waterproofing
Exterior basement waterproofing involves excavating the outside of your home and installing a waterproof membrane or coating on your basement walls. This method is more costly than interior waterproofing and is most effective at preventing water damage from wall leakage only. The drawback is it does not prevent under-slab water pressure. This is a great option when it’s identified as a known wall leakage problem. The risk of under-slab water infiltration is not a factor.
Some standard exterior basement waterproofing methods include:
- Excavation of soil around the home in the affected area.
- Applying a waterproof coating or membrane to your foundation exterior walls.
- Installing an exterior drainage system to collect and channel water away from your home.
- Extended Downspouts and corrected grading in the areas affected as required.
Drainage System
A drainage system is an essential component of basement waterproofing. It collects water from the foundation and directs it away from your home to prevent water damage.
There are two types of basement drainage systems:
- French Drains: A trench is dug around the perimeter of your basement, and a piping system is installed, usually surrounded by gravel. The trench is filled with more gravel as required per conditions, and the excess water is directed to the sump pump and daylight discharge points.
- Surface Drains: A surface drain collects water that pools on the surface and directs it away from your home’s foundation. Typically uses are trench drains in front of entryways, garages, or on other hard surfaces like patios.
Benefits of Basement Waterproofing in Maximizing Your Home’s Value
Basement waterproofing is an essential home improvement and renovation that comes with a myriad of advantages.
Here are the benefits of basement waterproofing, including:
- Improved Maintenance Value Appeal
A waterproofed basement can also enhance the overall appeal of your home. Potential buyers will be impressed with a well-maintained basement free of water damage and mold, which can make your home more attractive and increase its value. Especially in areas in Virginia and West Virginia, which have many older and historical homes and builds naturally are at higher risk for location and age. - Improves Air Quality
Basement waterproofing can also prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can negatively affect the air quality in your home. By improving the air quality, you can create a healthier living environment, which can increase the value of your home. - Creates Additional Living Space
A dry, waterproofed basement can be transformed into a usable living space, such as a home office, gym, or entertainment area. This can increase the usable square footage of your home and make it more enticing to potential buyers or long-term use of the home. - Prevents Water Damage
Basement waterproofing can prevent water from entering your basement and causing damage to your foundation, walls, and floors. This can save you from costly repairs and replacements in the future, which can increase the overall value of your home. - Higher Resale Value
Waterproofing your basement can increase/ recover the resale value of your home by up to 10-20%. This is because it makes your property more attractive to potential buyers and reduces the likelihood of future repair costs.
Evaluating the State of Home’s Basement
Evaluating the state of the basement is an important part of owning a home. Prospect buyers will conduct a home inspection to identify existing or potential problems, like water damage, pest infestations, and more. Taking the time to perform preventative maintenance now can save you from costly repairs and increase your chance of selling your home.
Suppose you have noticed any signs of a water leak or dampness in your basement. In that case, it’s best to contact professional waterproofing services as soon as possible — their expertise can help get your basement back into good condition so you don’t experience long-term damage and sell your home quickly.
DIY vs. Professional Basement Waterproofing
While DIY basement waterproofing may seem cost-effective, it is not always the best choice. Professional basement waterproofing services have the experience, knowledge, and tools to do the job correctly and ensure that your basement remains dry. The best option is to look for licensed and insured basement waterproofing for home sellers near you.
Choose the Right Basement Waterproofing Services
When waterproofing your basement, choosing the right professional company for the job is important. Look for a basement waterproofing service with a proven track record of success, and ask for references and certifications. The company should inspect your home and provide a detailed estimate. Costs vary based on the damage and solution, but financing options may be available.
Maximize Your Home Value Today
Basement waterproofing is a smart real estate investment to maximize your home’s value before selling. It protects your home from water damage, adds property value, makes it more attractive to buyers, and results in faster and better offers.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action and invest in basement waterproofing today. If you’re considering waterproofing your basement, contact Lux Foundation Solutions to discuss your needs and get started on the ideal solution.