Waterproofing your home's basement to protect against flooding and water damage can be a significant undertaking both in time and money, but it can be a great investment that saves money over the long run if done properly. The number of professional companies specializing in basement waterproofing is growing every day, and it can be very difficult to decide on which contractor to choose for your project. Making the right choice is very important, though, because a less than competent basement waterproofing company can use unnecessary methods that could end up costing you more than you need to spend.



While the specific methods that can be used to waterproof a basement are easily researched by anyone with an Internet connection, the actual application of those methods and whether or not the entire gamut is actually necessary usually involves a bit of speculation by contractors. While most basement waterproofing contractors are honest people, there are definitely a few out there who will tell you that you need a multiple-step solution that could cost thousands, when in actuality your problem could be solved by one or two inexpensive procedures.

Picking the wrong basement waterproofing company is the first mistake that many homeowners make, but it is easily avoided.

If your basement waterproofing project is not an immediate emergency involving a flooded basement, make sure that you get free quotes from several local companies before settling on your choice. Ask each company representative what they think is necessary to waterproof your basement, and get an estimate on what it will cost. Then sit down and compare the different methods and estimates before deciding which is the most cost effective.

A second common mistake in basement waterproofing is having too much done. In many cases, a simple fix such as internal wall coatings or servicing your basement floor drain is all that's really necessary to keep your basement from flooding or getting water damage. Some companies may insist that major excavation and the installation of footer drains and exterior waterproofing is necessary as well, but this might be a way for them to make a little more money from the job. Although this type of in-depth basement waterproofing really is sometimes necessary, just make sure that you get several other opinions before committing to any large jobs.

Finally, a very costly basement waterproofing mistake occurs when amateur home owners try to waterproof their basements themselves in order to save money. If you don't have any experience in basement waterproofing, this can be a very costly mistake that ends up losing you money in years to come. It's always best to leave complex home improvement projects like basement waterproofing to the professionals rather than attempting to do the job yourself. True, there are a very few less-than-honest basement waterproofing companies out there, but the vast majority are professional and honest, and with some careful research and price comparisons, you should be able to make an educated decision that will increase the value of your home.