What to Expect During Basement Waterproofing in Central Iowa and Do You Need to Move Out?

Finding yourself in a situation of needing basement waterproofing in your Central Iowa home? It can seem daunting to let anyone into your home to do any type of construction, even if you know the work needs to be done. At BAM Basements and Masons, we understand these concerns, especially for homeowners in Des Moines, Ankeny, West Des Moines, Ames, and Waukee.

By preparing yourself ahead of time for what’s to come, you can make the process easier for both you and the professionals you’ve hired to do the work. By relieving any apprehension, you can focus on the long-term results—a dry, healthy basement—as opposed to the short-term inconveniences.

What Will Be Done to My Basement During Waterproofing?

When our expert team arrives at your Central Iowa property, the primary work involves installing a robust internal drainage system. This process typically requires carefully removing a section of the concrete floor along the perimeter of your basement walls to install a drainage system, often a French drain or similar solution.

Upon completion of the drainage system installation, the concrete floor will be meticulously restored, leaving your basement looking as close to its original state as possible. During the initial digging and placement, especially for the first day or two, you should expect a dusty environment. Our crews take precautions to minimize dust, but some level is unavoidable when working with concrete. We also install a high-quality sump pump and basin, strategically placed to efficiently collect and discharge all captured water away from your foundation, protecting your home from future water intrusion.

Preparing Your Central Iowa Basement for Waterproofing

Now that you have a clearer understanding of the work involved, you probably have a better idea of how to prepare your Des Moines, Ankeny, or West Des Moines basement for the project. Let’s focus on clearing the basement:

• **Remove Personal Items:** All small, movable items, decorations, and personal effects should be removed from the basement, especially from areas near the walls where work will occur.
• **Remove Electronics:** Disconnect and remove any electronic devices, including TVs, computers, and audio equipment, to prevent dust damage or accidental knocks.
• **Move Large Items:** For larger items like furniture, shelving units, or appliances, move them toward the center of the basement. Ensure they are out of the way of access areas like stairs or doorways, allowing our team ample space to work and transport equipment.
• **Consider Flooring:** If you have carpeting or other flooring installed directly on the concrete slab, especially near the perimeter, discuss with our team whether it needs to be temporarily removed. This can prevent damage and facilitate a smoother installation.

Because our crews will be digging a trench in your basement, this can get messy. Plus, we’ll be bringing in specialized equipment and supplies to complete the task efficiently. .

Managing Dust During Basement Waterproofing in Iowa

Many homeowners don’t realize the extent of dust created during basement waterproofing, but because we will be breaking up concrete, it can indeed get messy. While we do what we can to reduce dust, we recommend preparing for it as much as possible.

Here are some proactive measures you can take:

• **HVAC System Management:** If possible, turn off your furnace or air conditioner to keep dust contained to the basement area. This prevents dust from circulating throughout your entire home.
• **Cover Vents and Filters:** Cover all HVAC vents in the basement and the intake filter on your HVAC unit, especially if the equipment is located in the basement. This acts as an additional barrier against dust intrusion.
• **Protect Valuables:** Cover any remaining furniture, large appliances, or items you couldn't move with plastic sheeting or old blankets to shield them from dust.
• **Respiratory Concerns:** For anyone in your household with respiratory problems, asthma, or severe allergies, it may be advisable for them to spend the day elsewhere during the most intensive phases of the work to minimize complications from airborne dust.

How Long Will Basement Waterproofing Take in Central Iowa?

Every basement waterproofing situation is unique, and installation times may differ based on the size of your basement, the severity of the water intrusion, and the specific solutions required. However, for a common internal waterproofing drainage system installation in a typical Central Iowa home, you can generally expect the project to take about **one to three days** to complete. Our team will provide a more precise timeline after a thorough inspection of your property.

How Many People Will Be Working on My Basement?

Depending on the work and basement size, expect two to five people.

Will I Have to Move Out During Basement Waterproofing?

In most cases, **no, there is no need to leave your home** during the basement waterproofing process. Our team works diligently to minimize disruption to your daily life. You will still have access to essential areas of your home. The only exception might be for mold contamination or extensive structural repairs. In such rare instances, we would discuss temporary relocation options with you well in advance.

Will the Work Be Inspected?

Yes, the work will be inspected. We conduct our own rigorous quality checks throughout the process and upon completion to guarantee that the drainage system, sump pump, and all related components are installed correctly and functioning optimally. Our commitment is to provide lasting solutions for your Central Iowa home, giving you peace of mind that your basement is protected against water intrusion for years to come.