What Does Waterproofing Cost in 2023?

If you’re thinking of having your basement waterproofed, one of your first questions will naturally be: how much will this cost?

At APP, we’ve been waterproofing basements for over 50 years, so we can easily give you an idea of what your project will cost. Here’s a quick look at the factors that can influence the cost of waterproofing your basement, as well as a few ballpark figures.

Waterproof Cost Factors

The cost of waterproofing a basement can vary. Here are a few of the factors that can affect the cost of the project.

• What waterproofing system are you using? The cost varies, depending on whether you want a cavity drain membrane or the lower-cost cementitious rendering treatment (tanking). Find out about the various basement waterproofing systems we offer.
• What type of building is it? Old, new, regular or irregular shaped? The location also makes a difference – what’s the access like?
• An obvious point: the size of the basement, and the area in need of waterproofing
• What do you want the basement to be used for? For example, a store room doesn’t need the same finish as a basement kitchen or studio flat
• Are there any additional tasks? Floor levelling is quite a common extra job, especially in older properties. You might need new electrics or plumbing if you’re converting the space

Take into account additional cost factors, which can range from planning permission application fees to industrial dehumidifiers. We’ll discuss your project with you, and factor all these costs (and cost savings) into your estimate.

Basement Waterproofing Cost Per m2

It’s tricky to give a ballpark figure for the cost of waterproofing your basement. As we’ve just discussed, the cost depends on the type of building you live in, what level of finish you require, and whether you’re going for tanking or a drainage system (and we’ll look at these in a moment).

If you want a rough average, allow £100 – £120 per square metre. This is solely for the areas that will be waterproofed or tanked (so the floor, and some or all of the wall area, but probably not the ceiling).

Before you start planning your project, talk to a few waterproofing companies in your area like us at APP. We can give you a more accurate estimate, and can visit you for a no-obligation quote.

Do You Need Planning Permission To Convert Your Basement?

Converting a basement into a more usable space does not usually require planning permission. However, there are a few exceptions where you’d expect to need permission. If you do need planning permission, this means there’s another cost to factor in. The average cost for submitting a planning application is currently £206.

• You will need planning permission for your basement conversion if:
• You live in a listed building
• You’re excavating a new basement or extending the existing space
• The alterations affect the external appearance of the building (for example, installing a new light well or changing the external access)
• The usage is significantly changed (such as from a store room to a bedroom)
• Even if you don’t think you need planning permission, speak with the planning officer at your local council first. It’s always best to seek advice before starting a project, and the interpretation of “usage is significantly changed” can vary.

Of course, at APP, we can help you navigate the planning process. Find out more about basement conversion planning permission.

What’s The Difference In Tanking And Waterproofing?

Good question: what exactly is the difference between tanking and waterproofing your basement? We get asked this a lot. In very simple terms, “tanking” is a type of basement waterproofing. “Waterproofing” refers to a variety of methods, and tanking is one of these.

Tanking is also known as “Type A waterproofing system”. It involves coating the walls and floor with a waterproof cement or slurry, creating a barrier that prevents water ingress. It’s a cheaper option, and can cost as little as £40 per square metre.

However, tanking isn’t always the right solution. “Type C” is a more structural approach to waterproofing. This is a more active way of managing water ingress, using a drainage system and a sump pump. Water is actually taken away from the property, rather than simply halted by a membrane.

Naturally, this structural work is more expensive than tanking, but is essential in certain conditions, and may be a requirement for planning permission. If you want a belt-and-braces approach, you can have both options working together.

Read our guide to basement tanking to find out more. We can also come and take a look at your basement or cellar, and discuss the best waterproofing options with you.

Choosing The Right Waterproofing Company?

APP has been working with builders, architects and renovators across Cambridgeshire for over 50 years. During this time, we’ve advised and worked on every type of basement project you can imagine.

Get in touch with the team at APP to discuss your project. We can give you a realistic and no-obligation quote for the cost of waterproofing your basement.