What are your basement waterproofing plans?

The degree of waterproofing will depend on what the space will be used for. It you plan to use it regularly as a den, recreation room, or bedroom, then a high degree of dryness will be necessary to make the room comfortable.

If you plan to use it just for a workshop or utility room space, then you will be able to tolerate a little more dampness, though it is wise to keep a light coating of oil on bare metal tools to prevent rust from forming. The method of waterproofing will be different depending on the usage.

In a workshop or utility room where function is more important than decoration, an unsightly floor drain into a sump at the low point in the basement will control any flooding. But if the room is to be completely finished off and used as regular living space, then you will want to be sure that the foundation walls are repaired and completely waterproofed, and that any drains or pumps be located outside of the living space. This is a more costly solution, but it is also more thorough as well as aesthetic.

Few homes today have dirt floor basements. When asked how to convert a dirt floor with stone wall foundation into regular living space, a University Extension Service agent replied, “Build an addition.” He explained that it would probably be cheaper in the long run because the cost of pouring a cement floor and installing extensive drainage systems would be enormous. He suggests converting the attic or adding on as better ideas.

It basically comes down to this: If your basement has a severe flooding problem, complete waterproofing will be very expensive and time consuming. If you are willing to put up with minor water problems in return for using the space more for utility purposes than living space, your cost savings will be substantial.