Hole in the Ground: Basement or Swimming Pool?

The moral of the story is do you want moisture to enter into your basement through the cracks and create a swimming pool... of course not.

Every basement will have cracks.... eventually. Some small and inconsequential, some severe and more alarming each day.

The issue is whether water will be allowed to enter. As a home owner its your responsibility to reduce the possibilities by keeping water from sitting against the foundation walls; first by extending the downspout discharge 6ft away from the walls; then ensuring that the grading/landscaping keeps it moving and out to the storm drains. Finally don't create oversized flower beds against the walls that hold moisture and need watering regularly.

Tarion warranty will not repair cracks less than 8 mm wide especially if they are not allowing water to flow through so then you are on your own unless you have a responsible builder.

The most economic option for crack repair is resin injection from the inside of the foundation wall at approx $700 per crack. If the basement is finished and you notice the crack before major issues are created then the best option is to excavate the outside and seal with a membrane at approx $1500 per running meter.

Make sure that if you have a sump pump installed that it works properly and the plumbing directs the outflow away from the foundation or the water may just cycle around and around the weeping tile and then come back to the sump pump again.

For sure not everyone apprieciates the option of an indoor swimming pool, especially when it wasn't listed on the options for the home in the MLS