Say No to DIY: 7 Basement Repairs That Require a Professional

In 2021, the average cost of basement foundation repairs was over $4,000 with major structural repairs costing over $10,000. Such hefty costs lead many homeowners to DIY (do-it-yourself) basement repairs.

But, did you know that DIY basement repairs can end up costing more than just hiring a professional?

From basement leak repairs to basement crack repairs and more, continue reading to find out which repairs you should leave to the professionals.

1. Basement Foundation Repairs

A damaged foundation can lead to serious problems and needs to be repaired as soon as possible. Without basement foundation repairs, damage only gets worse. The longer you wait, the more costly repairs become.

Uneven flooring, separation between the walls and floor, and excess moisture are all signs that you may need basement foundation repairs. A professional can identify the true cause of the problem and get repairs done quickly.

2. Basement Leak Repairs

A leaky basement is a common problem, especially in older homes. Basement leaks can be caused by different factors, and sometimes more than one.

When it comes to basement leak repairs, you can’t just find the leak and fix it, you also have to learn what caused it. A professional has the skills needed to deal with basement leak repairs and identify the cause of the problem.

3. Basement Crack Repairs

Some basement cracks don’t require professional attention such as small hairline cracks, which are often superficial. However, others are more serious and can lead to moisture build-up and leaks without basement crack repairs.

These types of cracks are usually caused by the settling of a home’s foundation. Most DIY repairs are only temporary. Calling a professional for a basement floor crack repair can prevent the need for future repairs.

4. Bowing Basement Wall Repair

A bowed basement wall is often caused by problems with a home’s foundation. It can also be caused by other factors like pressure from outside of the home pushing inwards. Waterlogged or frozen soil is often to blame.

The more severe the wall bows, the more expensive the basement repairs will be. A severely bowed wall could mean you need to replace the entire wall. A wall that bows 3 inches or more needs to be fixed by professionals.

5. Basement Flooding

Basement repairs involving flooding are complex and shouldn’t be handled by an amateur. Even if you’re able to find and stop the source of the flooding, the work isn’t over.

A flooded basement can compromise the condition of your basement and foundation. Even after the water is drained, you might run into such problems as warped walls, swollen joints, and mold growth. A professional needs to assess and handle repairs.

6. Mold in Your Basement

It only takes a little bit of mold in your basement to cause big problems. Not only is mold unsightly, but it’s also dangerous to your health, especially if it’s left to grow. Some problems caused by mold exposure are listed below.

• Allergic reaction
• Eye irritation
• Coughing or sneezing
• Runny nose
• Skin rash
• Difficulty breathing

Having mold in your basement is especially dangerous for people with asthma and allergies. Hire a professional with experience in mold growth to clean up the problem and make any necessary basement repairs.

7. Pest Infestation

Since basements are notorious for moisture build-up, they attract pests that rely on moist environments. Some of the most problematic pests attracted to moisture include termites, cockroaches, and different types of rodents.

Termites can damage a home’s foundation and general structural integrity. Cockroaches and rodents can spread diseases. Each of these pests needs to be removed by a professional to prevent further damage and health risks.

Benefits of Professional Basement Repairs

While the above basement repairs need to be handled by a professional, it’s not the only reason to hire one.

Professionals in basement foundation repairs, basement leak repairs, or other types of repairs can help save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Knowledge and Experience

Qualified professionals spend years of their lives learning their craft and developing their skills. This not only helps them find and complete basement repairs quickly but also effectively.

If you perform your own basement crack repairs, it’s less likely to be a permanent fix. You’re also likely to make a mistake without proper training. A professional will do the job right the first time.

Attention to Detail

Homeowners are often surprised by the complexity of even seemingly minor basement repairs. A job is rarely as quick and simple as it may seem on the surface, so you need to have special skills and attention to detail.

Where an amateur might miss a small detail, an expert knows all of the important aspects of a job to consider. A missed step or overlooked detail can make the repair more complicated and more expensive if it needs to be corrected.

Prevent Future Damage

When it comes to mold in your basement or any other type of basement repairs, you can’t just fix the issue and think the job is complete. You also have to make sure it won’t happen again.

One of the benefits of hiring a professional is that they can identify the cause of the issue and fix it along with the damage it caused. A homeowner may spend more money repeating repairs than paying a pro the first time.

Better Protection

The skill and knowledge of a professional means that they’re likely to offer high-quality work that will last for years to come. While it’s not necessarily a guarantee, that still doesn’t mean you should do the repairs yourself.

The difference between your mistakes and a professional’s mistakes is that theirs are better protected. If you damage your home in the process of your basement repairs, you have to pay to fix it, but a professional has insurance.

Call a Professional for Basement Repairs

Amateurs are more likely to make mistakes that cost more than hiring a professional in the first place. Whether you have mold in your basement or need basement foundation repairs, don’t DIY your basement repairs.

For more helpful tips, guides, and suggestions, check out our other Home Improvement posts.