Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How can I tell if my basement is leaking, or my drain is backing up?
Generally speaking, a large amount of water in a very short amount of time is usually a drain back up. This is especially true if there has been no history of basement problems.
Question: What effect does a wet basement have on the resale value of a house?
Although there is no specific formula, it is generally accepted that between 5% and 10% of the resale value of a house can be deducted if there is a wet basement.
Question: Will I recoup the cost of waterproofing my basement when I sell my home?
There are two answers to this question. First, it will make your home more saleable and, therefore, you will be more likely to sell your home. Secondly, if you can expect a loss of 5% to 10% in resale value of your home, a house costing $100,000 would lose between $5,000 and $10,000 in market value. Therefore, the chances are excellent that you could recoup the cost of waterproofing.
Question: If my basement is waterproofed, will all the water be eliminated?
No, on humid, damp days, pipes will still sweat and you may notice some mold or mildew in areas of the basement with little or no air circulation. In most cases, a dehumidifier will be very helpful.
Question: My basement leaks only when there is a lot of water from snow melt or hard rain; should I waterproof my basement?
This is up to your judgment, however, waterproofing your basement can add useful square footage for an office, workshop or family room. Also, moisture can damage your furnace, water heater, washer, dryer and other personal items.
