Metro Vancouver’s long rainy season makes basements vulnerable to seepage, hydrostatic pressure, and recurring leaks. Whether you live in Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, or anywhere else in BC, basement waterproofing is one of the smartest investments you can make. This guide explains typical costs, what drives your price, interior vs. exterior systems, timelines, and how VR Plus Restoration can help you secure the best value including a free quote and insurance support when a covered water event is involved.
TL;DR – Typical Basement Waterproofing Costs (CAD)
- Interior perimeter system: approximately $70–$230 per linear foot (+ sump if needed)
- Exterior excavation + membrane + drain tile: approximately $100–$320 per linear foot
- Rule of thumb for a ~1,000 sq. ft. basement (~140 LF): roughly $10,000–$32,000 for interior or $14,000–$42,000+ for exterior—complex urban lots and steep West Van slopes can push higher
Note: These are planning ranges. Your actual quote depends on access, finishes, slope, soil, water table, and add-ons (sump, backups, window wells, crack repair).
Quick Cost Table
| Method / Component | Typical Cost | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Interior perimeter drain (French drain) + vapor barrier | $70–$230 per LF | Trench along the footing, perforated pipe, gravel, wall membrane channel to a sump |
| Sump pump (installed) | $1,200–$2,500 | Pit, pump, check valve, discharge; add $500–$1,200 for battery backup |
| Exterior excavation + foundation membrane + new drain tile | $100–$320 per LF | Excavation to footing, waterproof membrane, filter fabric, gravel, new weeping tile |
| Drain tile replacement (select sides) | From ~$150 per LF | Common for older homes with clogged/collapsed clay tiles |
| Foundation crack injection (epoxy or polyurethane) | $500–$2,500 per crack | Targeted leak repair; price depends on length and access |
| Window wells + drains | $1,000–$3,800+ each | Prevents well flooding and leaks at below-grade windows |
| Dehumidification & drying (post-leak) | Project-dependent | Industrial drying if active moisture is present before waterproofing |
| Finishing restoration | Project-dependent | Concrete patching, drywall, flooring, trim, paint |
Why Waterproofing Beats Paying for Flood Damage
A single basement flood can run into the tens of thousands once you factor in water extraction, structural drying, mold remediation, content loss, and reconstruction. Waterproofing is preventive—it protects your foundation, improves indoor air quality, and preserves property value. For many BC homeowners, proactive waterproofing is significantly cheaper than reacting to repeated floods or chronic seepage.
Interior vs Exterior Waterproofing: What’s Best?
Interior Systems (Manage Water After It Reaches the Wall)
- Lower cost, minimal yard disruption
- Works well for hydrostatic pressure and chronic seepage
- Often paired with a sump pump and wall channel/drain board
Exterior Systems (Stop Water at the Source)
- Highest protection—blocks water before it reaches your wall
- Requires excavation and landscaping restoration
- Ideal during major exterior renovations or new construction
Which should you choose? If excavation access is restricted (tight urban lots, hardscape, steep slopes), interior systems are typically the most practical. If you’re already excavating or have severe exterior water entry, an exterior solution may be the best long-term fix.
What Drives Cost in Vancouver & West Vancouver
- Linear footage: Pricing is per LF larger basements cost more.
- Access & excavation difficulty: Tight lots, retaining walls, patios, or steep slopes increase labour.
- Soil, drainage, water table: High water tables and clay soils require more robust systems.
- Existing drain tile condition: Blocked or collapsed tiles add replacement costs.
- System components: Sump pumps, battery backups, window well drains, crack injections.
- Finishes & restoration: Concrete cutting/patching, drywall, flooring, and trim.
- Permits & inspections: Some municipalities require permits for drainage changes.
Example Budgets for BC Homes
- Small seep at one wall: $1,500–$6,000 (crack injection + spot drainage)
- Typical interior perimeter + sump (~120–160 LF): $10,000–$32,000
- Full exterior retrofit (~120–160 LF): $14,000–$42,000+
- Drain tile replacement (select sides): From ~$8,000+, or ~$150+/LF for complex sites
Every project is unique. We’ll walk your property, show you options, and provide a transparent, line-item quote so you can compare solutions and pricing.
Timeline: How Long Does Waterproofing Take?
- Crack injections: Same day in many cases
- Interior perimeter systems: Typically 2–4 days
- Exterior retrofits: Typically 4–10+ days (weather and access dependent)
Insurance & How We Help
Basement waterproofing itself is considered home maintenance and is usually not covered by insurance. However, if your water problem started with a sudden, accidental event—like a burst pipe or appliance failure your policy may cover the resulting cleanup and repairs, and sometimes related mold remediation, subject to your limits and exclusions.
VR Plus Restoration documents moisture readings, photos, and scopes of work, and we coordinate with your adjuster to help you maximize eligible coverage while keeping your out-of-pocket costs in check.
Why Homeowners Choose VR Plus Restoration
- Local BC expertise: We understand Lower Mainland rainfall, groundwater, and challenging West Van slopes.
- Clear, line-item estimates: Know exactly what you’re paying for—no surprises.
- Prevention + restoration: If you already have a leak, we can extract water, dry, remediate mold, and then waterproof.
- Insurance guidance: We help with documentation and direct coordination when a covered claim applies.
- Flexible options: We recommend multiple solutions at different price points so you can choose what fits your budget and timeline.
Serving Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver and all of BC. Call +1 604-800-3900 for a free onsite quote and expert guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is interior or exterior waterproofing better?
- Exterior stops water at the wall (best protection, higher cost and disruption). Interior manages water after it reaches the wall (cost-effective, minimal yard work). The right choice depends on access, budget, and severity.
- Do I need a sump pump?
- If you have hydrostatic pressure or regular seepage, a sump is highly recommended. Battery backups keep pumps running during power outages.
- Will waterproofing raise my home’s value?
- Buyers value dry basements and transferable warranties. Proper waterproofing also reduces the risk of mold and structural issues, which can derail sales.
- Can I waterproof just one wall?
- Yes, targeted work can be effective for isolated leaks. We’ll diagnose the source and advise whether spot repairs or a full perimeter system is more cost-effective.
- How do I keep costs down?
- Improve grading, extend downspouts, clean gutters, and fix small cracks early. During quoting, ask us for good-better-best options to match your budget.
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