Waterproof Basement or Crawlspace for Cheep, Change the Grade

The most common cause of wet basements (and crawl spaces) is improper grade of landscaping (dirt mostly) around the house.
If the soil or the driveway pitch towards the house it allows all the rain water to flow up against the building and then down to the footings eventually causing a wet basement. Crawl spaces aren’t exempt, if there is a puddle against the foundation you can bet there is a puddle inside the crawl.
These are the kind of homes I used to buy. I’d get a better price purchasing because I’d use the high cost of waterproofing as a negotiating tool. Then by re-landscaping all the way around the house I’d redirect the rain to flow away. Typically $150 worth of soil per wall did the trick.
If the drive is miss-pitched towards the house I’d have it mud-jacked and raised to flow water away further drying up the basement.
Blair Gilbert, aka MR. HARDWARE is a third-generation hardware store owner, licensed builder, and finish carpenter, my mission is to help you “do it right the first time!” On this site, I share expert home and yard DIY advice in over 200 videos. I can fix and repair your problems.
Learn more at: mrhardware.com/
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[@RandyHanley]

Most Waterproofing companies will not tell you this! Honest and accurate!

[@GannDolph]

Every Mr. Hardware tip is gold. unique stuff, havent seen elsewhere . much thanks !

[@belleame1064]

I've added dirt and then added a rock garden. Never had an issue since.

[@ledzepcleo]

I saw this done at my grandma's house. I've done it to two other houses. Works great!

[@manderson5397]

nobody on this planet can, as you claim, 'waterproof a whole wall' by adding dirt

[@brodyllc]

I’ve added so much earth , probably 30 yards in total, properly graded around my entire house and still get leaks lol