In a recent study, 78 percent of homeowners surveyed expressed concerns about their homes’ foundations. Foundation damage can result in structural damage, water damage, and plumbing problems, leading to repair costs in the thousands.
If you have seen signs of foundation damage, having a clear idea of costs is vital. Read on to learn foundation repair cost averages and what factors can influence the price you pay.
Foundation Repair Cost: Average Repair Rates
The cost of foundation repair will vary depending on the severity of the issue. Minor cracks that do not affect the home’s integrity can cost as little as $250, while larger cracks can go up to $800.
Seeing even small leaks can mean having to reseal the entire foundation, which can cost between $2,000 and $7,000.
Foundation Water Damage Repair Cost
If your home’s foundation is severely damaged, you will need to have experts install piering or basement underpinning. Each pier can cost between $1,000 and $3,000. This is the most expensive option because it requires you to pay for raising the foundation, excavation, and the installation of hydraulic piers.
Factors That Influence Final Cost
Calculating the cost of repairing a foundation depends on various factors, including permits. Let us look closer at these.
Labor and Permits
Most foundation repair professionals will charge by the hour. The average rate is $200 per hour.
For foundation repairs, you need permits, and these can cost between $75 and $150.
Repair Method
The typical foundation repair for a home is $4,542 but price can fluctuate depending on the method used to fix the problem.
Foundation jacking, for example, uses a grout mixture pumped beneath the foundation, bringing it back to its correct position. Because it does not require excavation, it is a more affordable option than underpinning or piering, coming in between $500 and $1,300.
Depending on the damage, you may not have much choice in the repair method.
Here are the most common types of home foundation repair methods:
Foundation Jacking
This process can cost upwards of $2,000, and is also known as house leveling. Although this repair method may work for some projects, it’s not an ideal permanent solution if the soil under the house is still settling. A grout mixture is pumped into the area underneath the foundation and maneuvers into the right position.
Foundation Sealing
Foundation sealing provides a waterproofing fix for moisture problems. These costs can be wide ranging, running anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000.
Basement Piering
Also known as basement underpinning, the process of basement piering involves excavating and raising the foundation in order to place hydraulic piers into the ground. Foundation repair specialists will dig around the foundation and raise it to the proper level. The cost for basement piering can range from $1,000 to $4,000.
Foundation Waterproofing
In order to protect your home from water damage, foundation waterproofing is an essential tactic. The cost of waterproofing can range between $2,000 and $8,000. If moisture issues have been ongoing, your specialist may prescribe more comprehensive waterproofing techniques.
Type of Foundation
If your home has a basement, the process will require more excavation than it would for a home with a concrete slab. Homes with crawlspaces or pier and beam structures are easier to access and repair.
Crawl Spaces
Crawl spaces can be a hazardous part of the home, especially if the area is consumed by moisture. The house will sink if the supports have shifted, but this can be remedied by installing adjustable joints to make the foundation level.
Concrete Slabs
Sealing and mudjacking are great repair methods for a home with a settling concrete slab. Concrete slab repair costs range between $400 and over $20,000 depending on size.
Pier and Beam
A pier and beam foundation sits a little bit off the ground, with beams typically supported by steel. Repair costs can range from $500 to $30,000 depending on the size of the project. Additional measures may be taken like adding a sump pump to combat decay issues or excess moisture.
Home Size
The larger the house, the more equipment and materials that are needed to repair the foundation. Larger homes also weigh more and are more structurally complex. The cost of the repairs will reflect all of this.
Soil Stability
If there is soil contraction, settlement, expansion, or inadequate foundation drainage, costs will rise. Professionals will have to install steel push piers or helical piers to place the home’s weight onto stable supports.
Turn to Expert Foundation Companies
If you see cracks in your home’s foundation, notice the home is sinking, see gaps around window frames and exterior doors, or notice uneven floors, you could have foundation problems.
By turning to experts like us at Foundation and Concrete Services, you can get the help you need. Whether you are struggling with foundation concerns or drainage and plumbing issues, contact us for foundation repair cost averages.
Get a free consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a house collapse from foundation problems?
Yes, if the foundation walls collapse you will need to hire a structural engineer to determine the damages.
How do I know if foundation cracks are dangerous?
Run the quarter test. If you can place a quarter inside of the foundational cracks, it’s time to call a professional inspector.
What if a home is built on a bad foundation?
Just because there are minor foundation issues, it doesn’t mean the home is unsafe to live in. When in doubt, call a foundation repair specialist.
What elements can destroy a home’s foundation?
The most common elements that can ruin a home’s foundation include poor drainage, unprepared ground, seasonal issues, excessive watering, and poor landscaping.
How can I preserve my home’s foundation?
There are a few ways to protect your home’s foundation including through regular inspections of the property’s perimeter, checking for water pooling near the foundation, monitoring foliage around the home, and watering the foundation during the summer months.
