Does basement waterproofing increase home value?

Does Basement Waterproofing Increase Your Home’s Value?

June 10, 2022
Basement waterproofing
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If you’re even asking the question “does basement waterproofing increase home value?” you have a wet basement and you’re trying to figure out if basement waterproofing is worth the money. The short answer is yes, it’s worth it, and waterproofing WILL increase your home’s value immediately and at resale.

Let’s take a look at what we mean.

How Basement Waterproofing Increases Home Value

Basement waterproofing increases your home’s value in many ways. Some of these relate to non-financial value, while some relate to monetary value. We think all of these are important aspects to consider. You may as well.

1. Protects Your Home’s Foundation, thus Protecting Your Biggest Investment

Before you can increase your home’s value, you must protect it. If you have cracks in your basement walls or floor, these can be signs of water intrusion that is beginning to cause structural damage. You can prevent further damage and strengthen your home’s foundation with foundation repair and basement waterproofing.

2. Makes Your Home Cleaner and Healthier

A wet basement allows moisture and musty smells or spores to thrive. That can cause respiratory issues for anyone in your family. Basement waterproofing can help improve the air quality in your home. By managing groundwater and diverting it away from your basement walls, waterproofing naturally reduces the humidity. You may still need to add a dehumidifier or ventilation device, depending on your situation. Dryer air makes an inhospitable environment for things that can grow in a damp environment. A house that smells is worth less money just like a used car owned by a former smoker.

Real Estate agents, home inspectors, and most importantly potential buyers will breathe easier with a dry basement.

3. Increases Energy Efficiency

Making your home more energy-efficient increases its value and saves you money at the same time. Your heating and cooling systems work overtime when you have cracks in your basement wall or floor that let outside air in. This is especially true in the summer when your HVAC system tries to remove humidity from the air – but all that moisture from a damp basement makes it struggle to keep up.

Professional basement waterproofing will seal cracks and bring the humidity down to a reasonable level. That means lower utility bills which = a more efficient home making it worth more money!

4. Increases Livable Square Footage

If you’re thinking of moving to a larger home, think about waterproofing and finishing your basement first. A finished basement is a cost-effective way to get additional usable square footage in your existing home. According to HomeAdvisor, a home addition can cost anywhere from $80-200 per square foot, depending on the project. But waterproofing and finishing a basement takes a lot less money and can increase your living space by one-half to one-third!

You must take care of any water intrusion issues before finishing your basement. Otherwise, you risk having to remove and then replace carpeting and drywall because of water seepage.

4. Increases Your Enjoyment of Your Home

All 4 of the previous items lead up to this one. If the air is fresher, you’re paying less for utilities, you have more space to move around in, and you have the peace of mind that comes with protecting your home’s foundation, you’re going to enjoy your home more. Your family will, too. You can’t put a value on that.

5. Increases Your Home’s Resale Value and Makes It Easier to Sell

And now, the one you’ve been waiting for. Yes, basement waterproofing will increase your home’s resale value. A home with professional waterproofing vs a similar home in the same neighborhood that has a wet basement will bring in a higher resale value. This is true even if you didn’t finish the basement. The resale value will increase even further if you waterproof AND finish your basement. First impressions are very important when selling a home. A home can have amazing curb appeal but if a musty smell hits you in the face on the way through the front door it will stay on the market longer and sell for less money!

And it will be easier to sell your home, even in a hot seller’s market if you have invested in basement waterproofing. A smelly wet basement or crawl space can be a turn-off to prospective homebuyers, while a dry fresh and finished basement makes your home more appealing.

Schedule Your FREE Basement Inspection

If you want to increase your home’s resale value, or just increase the value to you and your family in the here and now, we can help. We would welcome the opportunity to help you reclaim your territory. We offer basement waterproofing solutions to homeowners throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Delaware. Schedule a free basement inspection by filling out the form, or call us at (888) 768-2583.

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