Hey everyone! I'm looking for some advice on two different quotes I've received for waterproofing my walk-out basement. This past spring, I dealt with flooding, particularly at the footer joint, and now I'm eager to waterproof it well enough to re-finish the space. Both proposals suggest exterior work, involving excavation down to the footer, cleaning and waterproofing the walls, and installing drain tile next to the footer that leads to daylight and drains into lower ground behind my house. They also both plan to set up a separate rigid PVC line for the gutters. However, the prices and some materials differ significantly. To give you an idea, my basement perimeter is about 105'. Here's what each proposal includes:
**Proposal A - $15,000**
- 4" corrugated perforated piping for the footer drain, with an option to switch to PVC for a higher cost.
- No cleanouts for the footer drain.
- 60mil elastic waterproofing membrane for the walls.
**Proposal B - $25,500**
- 4" PVC perforated pipe for the footer drain.
- Cleanouts along the footer drain included.
- Tar + poly wrap + 12" foam insulation for waterproofing.
Considering I'm new to homeownership, I'm curious about the best options between these two. What do you all think?
2 Answers
It’s great that both proposals focus on outside work—that's usually a better long-term fix. Proposal B seems more comprehensive with the cleanouts, which can make future maintenance a lot easier. Without a cleanout, you could end up with blocked pipes down the line. Also, using PVC is generally considered a better choice for drainage systems as it's less prone to clogs. But do weigh your budget against the potential future costs of fixing issues with the cheaper option. For Arkansas, consider how the drainage fits with the natural slope of your property too!
You definitely want to think about how they handle the water movement. If they’re putting the drain tile below the footer, that should work well with your slope—no sump pump required! Just make sure they have a solid plan for what happens if there's a heavy rain. Also, ask for details on how each option’s materials hold up over time. You don't want to end up revisiting this issue soon after doing the work!
Good point! If they're installing it correctly, the slope alone may be sufficient. Just remember to monitor it after heavy rains to ensure it's functioning as expected!
Exactly! Cleanouts are key for long-term drainage maintenance. Plus, I’ve read that PVC holds up better over time, especially in warmer climates like yours. It might be worth the upfront investment to save hassles down the road!