How Much Does It Cost to Inspect Waterproofing in 2022?

What Do Pros Check for During a Waterproofing Inspection?

When you hire a pro to do a waterproofing inspection, you’re really paying for the expert’s time. The inspector checks inside and outside your property, looking at numerous key points. These include your exterior ground slope, the condition of your gutters, whether you have adequate downspouts, and whether you already have interior water damage.

Exterior Ground Slope

One key thing a pro will check is whether the ground around your home is appropriately sloped and graded. It should have a gentle downward gradient, sloping down and away from the building's foundation. This directs rain away from your property. If the ground slopes toward your house, the water runs toward the base of the walls and has nowhere to go but in.

Guttering

Another key inspection point is whether you have enough guttering, the right type of gutters, and if the gutters are in good condition and free of obstructions. If your gutters are overflowing or clogged, water will run over the side and down the walls of your house when it rains—and a small portion will undoubtedly seep into the bricks at the bottom. Over time, this adds up to a significant amount of moisture.

Adequate Downspouts

Even if your gutters are clean and you've got a nice downward slope to your yard, it's important that your downspouts send water far enough away from your property that it can't run back again. The waterproofing inspector will advise whether you need downpipe extensions to ensure water can't travel backward to your home.

Interior Damage

Once the pro has finished the exterior examination, they'll move into the basement and check for several telltale signs:

• Efflorescence (visible white powdery patches on porous surfaces like brick caused by salt crystals in water)

• Cracked walls

• Rotting wood

• Sagging floors

• Damp patches on the walls or ceiling

• Rising damp

• Rust stains

• Mold

• Bubbling or peeling paint

Most homeowners spend about $4,920 on the cost of waterproofing a basement or foundation. You may pay more or less depending on the issues and the severity.

Waterproof Inspection Cost Factors

Waterproofing inspection costs vary depending on the size of your property, ease of access, and the climate in which you live. Suppose you have a large, sprawling property and half of the exterior walls are covered in overgrown greenery. In that case, you'll pay more for the inspection than if you have a modest, well-kept property with easily accessible walls and basement access. Also, if you live in a location where flooding is common, basement inspection costs might be higher or it might take more time to book an appointment due to the high demand.

Repairs and Remedial Work

After a waterproofing inspection, your pro may tell you there's evidence of water damage and recommend some remedial work. Among the most common recommendations are:

• Gutter cleaning costs: $1–$2.50 per linear foot

• Foundation Membrane costs: Up to $15,000

• Weeping tiles cost: $1,000–$10,000 or more

• Silicate concrete sealing costs: $3–$9 per square foot

• Concrete waterproofing costs: $3–$12 per square foot

• Cement waterproofing costs: $1,000–$1,500

• Waterproofing paint costs: $90–$120 per 75 square feet with 3 coats

• Vapor barrier installation costs: $1,500–$3,000

• Additional guttering and downspout installation costs: $600–$1,700

• Lawn resloping costs: $1,000–$3,220

DIY vs. Professional Waterproofing Inspection

Because the potential for costly and significant damage is so high if you miss the signs of water incursion, this is not a DIY job. There are preventative measures you can take yourself to limit the risk of water damage in the basement, but leave the actual inspection to a local waterproofing contractor.