Erik Davis Harp of Arizona is a DIY evangelist and home improvement content creator, spending most of his free time renovating his 1950s era home. In the following article, Erik D. Harp discusses DIY basement waterproofing, why it’s crucial to house flipping and home sale values, and the compounding issues created when water enters the home.
A basement flooded with water is not only dangerous, but costly, both in terms of home value and repair expenses. Because of this, experts typically advise homeowners to waterproof their basement once every ten years. However, Erik Davis Harp explains that many homeowners choose the DIY method of waterproofing a basement thanks to the ease and benefits of doing it on their own.
Waterproofing a basement is not only necessary, but according to Basement Systems, waterproofing a home can increase the building’s value by as much as 400% of the cost. Additionally, according to PR Newswire, more than 80% of DIY project participants report feeling accomplished after completing their goals.
In this article, Erik D. Harp gives a detailed examination of why one might want to waterproof their basement is so important to every homeowner.
Why You Should Start a DIY Project Waterproofing the Basement
Studies show that although builders do typically waterproof the basement of a newly-constructed house, this preventative measure is not a permanent solution says Erik Davis Harp.
According to Edens Structural Solutions, gravity naturally causes the structure of any home to gradually sink into the ground. This movement creates cracks in the walls of a basement and can ultimately lead to water entering the basement.
Erik D. Harp says that this can not only increase the risk of flooding but cause the air in a basement to become humid and wet. Humidity can compromise the conditioned air of a home and make it uncomfortable.
Because of these risks, the values of waterproofing the basement cannot be understated according to Erik Davis Harp.
Values of Basement Waterproofing
There are many values associated with basement waterproofing not limited to the structural integrity of a building, alone. These are listed below:
- It can add value to the home – When a home is placed on the market, buyers are likely to look for signs of water damage, particularly in the basement says Erik Davis Harp. According to Realtor.com, foundation issues are one of the top reasons for buyers to turn down a property. Preventing these issues with waterproofing adds high appeal to buyers.
- It can create more usable space – According to RealtyBiz News, the basement can account for as much as half the total floor space of a home. Waterproofing a basement can open the door to remodeling it as more than a storage space; it can be used as a sitting room, den, or even upgraded to a large bedroom.
- It can reduce the need for renovation – When a basement does flood or take on considerable water damage as a result of a lack of waterproofing, it can cost upwards of $500. Performing a basement waterproofing project can get out ahead of water damage before it starts explains Erik D. Harp.
Values of DIY Projects
DIY projects are incredibly popular, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic kept everyone indoors. Erik Davis Harp explains that many values of doing a project like waterproofing the basement in-house instead of paying for a professional were revealed, as listed below:
- Mental health improves– According to a survey taken by Realtor Magazine, DIY projects on the home, like waterproofing the basement, are excellent for mental health, giving homeowners a sense of accomplishment. Thirty-four percent of participants in DIY projects on the home report that their mental health improved during the project.
- New skills are learned – Waterproofing a basement by oneself instead of relying on a professional can open up a door to new skills according to Erik Davis Harp. For example, learning to detect the signs of water damage and using tools like a masonry sealant are not often taught to amateurs, but can be useful for waterproofing any structure.
- Money is saved – Waterproofing a basement through the advent of professionals can cost as much as $20,000, but if a homeowner works out their own method of waterproofing the home, they can spend much less. For example, purchase of a waterproof sealant can cost as little as $8 per square foot.
- It can be lucrative – Once the skills needed to perform waterproofing on a basement are learned, they can be repeated. Because all basements should be checked for water damage every ten years, a neighbor may be willing to pay someone a discounted rate for their assistance in this project instead of paying for a professional.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Erik Davis Harp says that the necessity of waterproofing a basement and the benefits of a homeowner learning to accomplish the project themselves can lead to a very successful DIY project. Not only can waterproofing a basement improve the value of the home itself, but it can improve the mental health and skill set of the person undertaking the project!
