Northern Virginia Older Homes: Basements

By Ishaq Hassan. Updated October 10, 2026. 3 min read.

Short answer: Many homes in Alexandria and Arlington are decades or even centuries old, with older basements, brick and block foundations, lead paint and aging wiring. Heavy summer storms cause flash flooding, and low parts of Old Town Alexandria see tidal flooding. Keep water away from the foundation, fix cracks early, check older systems before remodeling and get permits for major work.

Northern Virginia mixes historic row houses, brick colonials and post war ramblers with brand new infill homes. Older homes have character, but they also have older foundations, basements and systems. This guide covers the most common Northern Virginia basement and older home problems.

Common problems in older Northern Virginia homes

Wet basements: heavy storms and older drainage push water into basements.
Foundation cracks: brick and block foundations crack as they settle, and some areas have shrink and swell clay soils.
Flash flooding: storms such as July 8, 2019 flooded basements and streets across the area.
Tidal flooding: low parts of Old Town Alexandria flood from the Potomac.
Lead paint and old wiring: common in homes built before 1978.

Illustration of a brick wall with a stair step crack running through the mortar joints below a window — A stair step crack in brick or block often means the foundation below has moved.

Keeping basements dry

Extend downspouts at least 4 to 6 feet from the house
Regrade soil to slope away from the foundation
Seal cracks and fix window wells
Install interior drainage and a sump pump for persistent leaks
Run a dehumidifier in summer

Read basement waterproofing options and downspout drainage.

Need help with foundation repair?Free to call. You will be connected with an available local provider where one serves your area.

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Illustration of deck boards with a dark rotted and cracked area — Soft or rotted boards can break underfoot and need replacing.

Before remodeling an older home

Test for lead before sanding or scraping paint
Have the electrical panel and wiring checked
Check the foundation and basement for moisture
Ask about historic district rules in Old Town and Parker Gray
Get permits from the City of Alexandria or Arlington County

Licensing

Contractors in Virginia are licensed by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Ask for the license number and check it before work starts.

Illustration of exterior siding with flaking and peeling paint — Peeling paint lets water into the wood and needs scraping before repainting.

Local help in Northern Virginia

Illustration of a brick house with a stair step crack running down from a window — Stair step cracks in brick can be a sign of foundation movement.

Quick answers: northern Virginia basement

Why do Northern Virginia basements leak?

Heavy storms, older drainage, cracked foundations and downspouts that empty near the house.

Does Old Town Alexandria flood?

Low parts of Old Town see tidal flooding from the Potomac River, especially during storms and high tides.

Do contractors need a license in Virginia?

Yes. The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation licenses contractors.

Is there lead paint in my Arlington home?

Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint. Test before sanding or scraping.

Who fixes basements and foundations in Northern Virginia?

Sifixit can connect you with local foundation repair providers.

This guide covered northern Virginia basement. For more background, see the FTC’s advice on hiring a contractor and avoiding home improvement scams, and if you need help, Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.

This guide is general information for homeowners, not professional, insurance or safety advice for your situation.

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