How Much Does Tanking a Cellar Cost?

Cost of Tanking a Cellar: Price Guide & Planning Tips

It may be the right time to transform your damp cellar into a dry, usable space. Interested in the cost of tanking a cellar? Find out all about the costs and benefits of creating a liveable space below.

In this Price Guide we will talk about:

1. Understanding Basement Tanking
2. Detailed Tanking Cost Breakdown
3. What are the Labour Costs of Professional Tanking?
4. How Different Materials Impact Basement Tanking Cost
5. Hidden Costs in Basement Tanking
6. The Best Cost-Saving Tips for Basement Tanking
7. Find Tanking Specialists on MyBuilder
8. Common Questions

Understanding Basement Tanking: Creating a Dry Foundation

What is basement tanking? The process typically involves applying a slurry made of cement or membrane system to internal walls and floors, forming a sealed barrier that blocks water from entering. Not only does this protect against damp, but it also transforms your basement into a more secure, functional, and valuable part of your home.

This can really help to protect your home from moisture infiltration, which can lead to damp problems and serious structural damage. By creating a robust, water-resistant barrier, tanking your basement helps to maintain a dry, healthy, and habitable environment.

Detailed Breakdown: How Much Does It Cost to Tank a Cellar

Tanking a cellar is a great way to upgrade your living space, as it provides long-term protection against water ingress and damp.

However, the cost can vary widely based on factors like the size of the cellar, the materials chosen, and the overall scope of the work. Having a clear understanding of these variables will help you plan your budget more effectively and make confident, informed decisions.

Small Cellars For smaller cellars, tanking is typically more affordable, making it an attractive option for many homeowners. Prices often start from as little as £40/m², depending on the waterproofing method and the requirements of your home.

Large Cellars Larger cellars require more extensive treatment due to the greater surface area, potential structural complexities, and higher material volumes involved. As a result, costs can rise to £80/m² or more for high-performance systems that offer maximum protection.

If you are not convinced that you want to do tanking, but know you need to waterproof your basement, you can take a look at all of the waterproofing types on our waterproofing cost guide.

MyBuilder tip: With bigger spaces, it’s worth investing in top-tier materials and experienced tradespeople to help ensure a reliable, long-lasting result, especially if the cellar will be used as a living or storage space.

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Hiring a Professional for Basement Tanking: What are the Labour Costs?

When it comes to basement tanking, tradespeople bring the knowledge needed to apply tanking properly and ensure compliance with all necessary standards. Labour costs for basement tanking can vary based on the tradesperson's experience and regional pricing differences.

Typically, contractor fees range between £110 - 220 per day, with most projects taking 1-2 days to complete. Specialist tradespeople may charge between £200 - 400 per day, especially in locations where the job is more complex.

Tradespeople often handle tasks like:

Site preparation: Ensuring surfaces are ready for tanking.

Application of waterproofing materials: Applying slurry or membranes correctly.

Quality checks: Ensuring the tanking application meets the required standards.

MyBuilder tip: Always confirm the qualifications and references of the tradesperson to ensure they have experience in basement tanking.

Material Cost: How Do Different Materials Impact Basement Tanking Cost?

The materials you choose can change the overall cost and effectiveness of basement tanking. While higher-quality materials may come with a higher upfront price, they often provide better, long-term protection, and lower upkeep.

This table gives you a quick overview of how much different waterproofing materials cost:

Material	Cost per m²
Tanking slurry	£9
Membranes	£10–20
Slurry bags	£20–50

Discuss with a damp proofing specialist

Additional Expenses: Hidden Costs in Basement Tanking

When you are planning cellar tanking, it's important to be aware of all potential additional expenses that can arise. These costs can sometimes be overlooked, leading to unexpected surprises along the way.

Understanding these expenses helps in forming a more accurate cost estimate and prevents unexpected financial strain.

Repairs before tanking: Structural repairs may be necessary before tanking can begin, which can increase overall costs.

Permits: Obtaining the necessary permits for cellar work can be a requirement and may incur additional fees.

Professional assessments: Before starting tanking, evaluations might be needed to assess the cellar's condition, adding to preliminary costs.

Additional waterproofing measures: Sometimes, extra measures such as drainage solutions costs or sump pumps are needed, leading to further expenses.

Ventilation improvements: Improving ventilation or installing dehumidifiers might be necessary to manage moisture levels effectively.

If you are planning an entire conversion of your basement, we also have a full guide on Basement Conversion Cost with all the information on how to give your space a new lease of life.

The Best Cost-Saving Tips for Basement Tanking

When planning to undertake basement tanking, using cost-saving measures can significantly reduce expenses.

Take a look at these ways to make your tanking project more economical:

• Source the proofing materials locally to minimise transportation costs and potentially secure discounts.

• Compare quotes from multiple tradespeople to get competitive pricing without compromising on the quality of the job.

• Plan ahead by scheduling the project in off-peak times when tradespeople might offer better rates.

• Undertake simple preparation tasks yourself, like clearing the space, to save money on labour expenses.

Waterproof Your Basement: Find Tanking Specialists on MyBuilder

Ready to make sure no damp gets in? Find damp proofers near you on MyBuilder. Simply post a job and choose from specialists offering services tailored to your needs.

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FAQ: Common Questions Readers Ask About Basement Tanking

How can I estimate the budget needed for tanking a cellar?

To estimate the budget for tanking your cellar, measure the basement’s total area to understand the size of your project. It's also essential to factor in labour costs, potential repairs to existing structures, and the type of materials you plan to use. A detailed assessment by a tradesperson can provide a tailored estimate, ensuring you account for any unforeseen complications along the way.

What are the most common methods for tanking a cellar, and do they differ in cost?

The two most common methods for tanking a cellar include internal tanking slurry application and installing cavity drainage systems. Internal tanking, typically cheaper, involves applying a waterproof slurry to walls and floors to create a barrier. In contrast, cavity drainage systems, which use membranes and drainage channels to direct water out of the property, tend to be more expensive. However, they offer better, longer-term protection. Each method's cost varies based on materials and complexity.

Are there any long-term benefits that justify the cost of basement tanking?

Long-term benefits of basement tanking include protecting your property from water damage, which can lead to structural issues like dampness and mould. Tanking can also enhance the useable space within a home and potentially increase property value. By ensuring a dry, waterproof environment, homeowners can remodel the basement into functional living spaces.

How do I determine if my cellar needs tanking, and does this affect the cost?

To determine the need for tanking, assess the cellar for signs of dampness, water ingress, or mould growth. Persistent moisture issues often indicate a need for waterproofing solutions like tanking. An inspection by a qualified surveyor can provide a professional assessment.

How do professional tanking services calculate their fees for complete waterproofing?

Professional tanking services calculate fees based on the project's scope, which includes the size of the basement, condition assessment, type of waterproofing system selected, and local market rates for labour and materials. Additional factors may include complexity of installation and any necessary preparatory work. Detailed quotes usually outline costs for each element, offering transparency in pricing.

What’s the difference between basement waterproofing and tanking?

Basement waterproofing is a broad term that refers to various methods used to prevent water from entering a basement or cellar. This includes external waterproofing, cavity drain systems, and tanking. Tanking is one specific type of waterproofing, where a waterproof barrier, usually a cementitious slurry or membrane, is applied directly to internal walls and floors to block water from penetrating. In short, all tanking is waterproofing, but not all waterproofing is tanking.