If you’re planning to finish your basement—or already have—the last thing you want is water creeping in and ruining your investment. That’s where waterproofing comes in. And yes, it’s actually important.

At Hawthorne, we’ve helped tons of homeowners transform their basements into beautiful, dry, and livable spaces. But here’s the secret: every amazing finished basement starts with solid, smart basement waterproofing.

This is your guide to how to waterproof your basement the right way—whether you’re starting from scratch or solving existing problems.

Why Basement Waterproofing Is Non-Negotiable

Let’s be clear: a finished basement without proper waterproofing is a risk. Water doesn’t just cause puddles—it wrecks drywall, ruins flooring, and creates mold faster than you can say “dehumidifier.”

Signs you need basement waterproofing:

  • Musty smells that never go away
  • Damp spots or water stains on walls or floors
  • Cracks in foundation walls
  • Peeling paint or bubbling drywall
  • High humidity or condensation on windows

These aren’t just cosmetic issues—they’re structural and air quality issues. And they don’t go away on their own.

Step 1: Assess the Water Source

Before you do anything else, figure out where the water’s coming from. This step is key to choosing the right basement waterproofing solution.

Outside Issues:

  • Improper drainage or gutter setup
  • Negative grading (when your yard slopes toward your house)
  • Cracks in the exterior foundation

Inside Issues:

Understanding the source means you can fix the cause—not just the symptoms.

Step 2: Start with Exterior Waterproofing

If you want long-term results, stop water before it even gets near your basement.

Top exterior waterproofing methods:

  • Clean, extended gutters – Move water away from your home’s foundation.
  • Proper yard grading – Your soil should slope away from the house.
  • Seal foundation cracks – Use polyurethane or epoxy for small cracks. Major ones? Call us.
  • Install exterior waterproof membranes – These are barriers that go on your exterior foundation walls for next-level protection.

We always check the outside first, because even the best interior system won’t work if water is pouring in from the soil.

Step 3: Interior Waterproofing That Actually Keeps Basements Dry

Once the outside is handled, it’s time to waterproof your finished basement from the inside.

Must-have interior waterproofing options:

Interior Drainage Systems

Also called French drains. These go under your basement floor and collect water that gets in, redirecting it to your sump pump.

Sump Pump with Battery Backup

This is your water exit strategy. A good pump plus a battery backup = peace of mind, even during storms and outages.

Vapor Barrier Installation

Think of this as a raincoat for your basement walls. It keeps moisture out and stops mold before it starts.

High-Efficiency Dehumidifier

Basements naturally collect moisture. A dehumidifier designed for below-grade spaces keeps humidity in check.

All of these work best when installed before the finishing phase—but they can also be retrofitted to existing spaces with the right setup.

Basement Waterproofing

What NOT to Do When Waterproofing a Basement

Let’s save you some time and money by cutting through the nonsense.

Waterproof paint – It looks like a fix, but it’s only cosmetic. It doesn’t stop real water intrusion.

Covering cracks without sealing them – You’re just trapping moisture inside the wall.

Ignoring musty smells – Mold can form even when you don’t see water. Trust your nose.

Waiting for it to get worse – Spoiler: it will. And it’ll cost more later.

When to Waterproof Your Basement (Hint: Now)

If you’re thinking of finishing your basement, waterproofing is the very first step. Doing it after you’ve installed drywall and flooring? Way more expensive. Way more stressful.

If your basement is already finished but showing signs of moisture, don’t panic—but definitely don’t ignore it. The sooner we tackle it, the better the outcome.

Trust the Pros Who Build Basements Every Day

At Hawthorne, we design, build, and waterproof finished basements all over Nebraska. So we know what actually works—and what’s a waste of money. We approach every project with the same mindset: do it once, do it right, and make it last.

Whether you’re planning a full remodel or just trying to figure out why your socks feel damp, we’re here for it. No pressure, just honest answers and waterproofing that works.

Ready to Dry Out and Move On?

Let’s chat. We’ll take a look at your space, figure out what’s really going on, and recommend basement moisture solutions that match your goals, your budget, and your future plans for the space.

Because at Hawthorne, we don’t just build basements—we build dry, beautiful, livable ones that last.