5 Reasons to Waterproof Your Basement Before Selling Your Home

One of the easiest things you can do to get a quick sale is to waterproof your basement. Waterproofing involves applying sealants and/or the installation of drains, sump pumps, and other materials to turn a wet, damp basement into a dry space. If you have a wet or moldy basement, there are several reasons why you might want to waterproof it before putting your house on the market.

1. Wet Basements Turn Buyers Off

Today's HGTV generation can spot mold, water damage, and water seepage from a mile away. And they don't like it. A damp, moldy basement means a house needs work. It could be a little bit of work or a lot. The buyer doesn't know. When presented with several homes to purchase, buyers will tend to avoid the house with unknown, potentially expensive issues.

Selling a house is a competition. You don't want to give an unfair advantage to other sellers by ignoring your wet basement. Get the issue fixed, so your house can compete with the best the market has to offer.

2. It's a Fast, Inexpensive Repair

The best part? It doesn't cost a lot of money or take a great deal of time to fix a wet basement. According to Home Advisor, the average homeowner spends $4,460 to seal a basement or foundation. If you need to fix cracks, add drains and gutters, or dig up your yard to fix the issue, you may end up spending a bit more. However, you will see that it's well worth the cost.

3. A Dry Basement Increases Value

A dry basement not only attracts buyers, but it also increases the value of your home. Why? A dry basement provides buyers with more usable space and guarantees the safety and stability of the home long term. Homes with dry basements experience less water damage and tend to have stronger foundations than those that are infiltrated with water. What's more, a dry, draft-free basement is more energy efficient.

4. You Will Get Your Money Back

If you're worried about spending the money, don't. Most homeowners make money by waterproofing their basement. According to Angie's List, the typical return on investment (ROI) for a basement waterproofing job is 30 percent. That means that you will get your money back plus some.

You may also be able to sell your home faster, which will reduce any carrying costs associated with owning the home, such as insurance premiums, mortgage payments, property taxes, maintenance, repairs, and more.

5. You Can Finish a Dry Basement

Dry basements are ideal for buyers who want to increase square footage by finishing the basement. In fact, many homebuyers look for homes with basements that are either already finished or able to be finished. If you have a damp basement, you will miss out on this pool of buyers.

You may also choose to finish the basement yourself before placing your home on the market. This will dramatically increase your home's value and allow you to get a higher ROI when you sell.

If you're contemplating selling your home, contact Central Penn Waterproofing to see how we can help you get your home ready for photos and showings. We offer a variety of services, including waterproofing, wall crack repair, and mold and mildew treatment.