Is your foundation showing signs of wear and tear? Is it cracking or creating issues within your home? If so, you may need a foundation repair to get the issue under control.
The foundation of your home is unbelievably important and needs to be in tip-top shape. Though a foundation is built to last, there are several reasons why it may end up needing to be repaired.
This is not unheard of and is normal in older homes or homes in certain environments. To find out how much a foundation repair costs on average, read on.
How Much Does a Foundation Repair Cost on Average?
Foundation repair costs can vary quite a bit depending on where you live and what kind of repairs are needed. That is why it can be hard to take a guess at how much you will have to spend.
To find out exactly how much it will cost to repair house foundations, you will have to get a quote. This will be completely accurate to your situation, so that you can know just how much you will be expected to pay.
The average cost to fix house foundations is between $2,012 and $7,074. Though the national average for homeowners is $4,542.
This is the amount that homeowners can expect to pay for the average foundation in need of repairs. Just keep in mind that this number could be very different depending on your circumstances.
Small repairs, such as minor cracks, could cost as little as $500 for a quick repair job. While extensive damage to the foundation could cost as much as $10,000.
This is why it is important to get a quote for your house foundation to figure out exactly how damaged it is. A professional will be able to evaluate the damage and give you an accurate quote.
They will also be able to help you figure out how urgent the repairs are.
What Causes Foundation Problems That Need to be Repaired?
There are all kinds of things that could cause your foundation to need repair work. This will depend on the climate, where you live, and how old the house is.
If you are a homeowner, it is a good idea to keep these causes of foundation problems in mind. As well as to keep an eye on your house’s foundation and how it is holding up.
Soil Changes
Changes in the soil can be a huge risk to a house’s foundation and lead to issues later on down the road. Any kind of soil change could cause foundation damage that could either be minor or very severe.
House foundations can be damaged when the soil was not properly compacted before construction. This can cause the soil to sink, putting strain on the foundation structure.
Even when compacted the right way, the soil could ultimately end up moving around. This can cause uneven ground that affects the foundation and its ability to hold up the weight of the house.
Expansive soil can also change, causing issues with the house’s foundation. This is a kind of soil that contains a large amount of clay.
The clay will cause the soil to swell up when wet and shrink when it is dry. This creates soil movement that is not good for a solid foundation.
Weather Changes
Weather changes can also create the need for a foundation repair. This is mostly due to soil that changes when the weather changes.
This is most common in areas where the soil is clay heavy. This will cause the soil to expand as it takes on water during wet weather. Then it will shrink when the weather becomes hot and dry.
These changes in weather take a toll on the foundation and can cause it to begin cracking in certain areas. Any kind of shifting in the soil will put stress on the foundation and result in damage.
Changes in the weather can also change the environment around the house. It could cause water damage, buildup, or all kinds of shifting in the surrounding land.
This is why it is so important to be careful when choosing a location to build your home.
Poor Drainage
Water damage is one of the most common causes of issues with a house’s foundation. Water can create all kinds of issues and lead to costly foundation repair.
Poor drainage can cause many issues, leading to the necessity to repair house foundations.
Poor drainage can cause hydrostatic pressure to build up around the foundation of the home. This can cause the foundation walls to bow and become cracked and damaged.
This can leads to huge issues with the foundation if the pressure isn’t relieved.
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters are one of the causes of foundation problems that can’t usually one helped. This is something that can cause extensive damage, leading to high foundation repair costs.
Disasters like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and other disasters can cause all kinds of damage. This is something that can’t usually be helped as they are unexpected issues.
This is why it is important to consider the environment that your home is in. Are hurricanes common, or do earthquakes happen every year? These are things to consider in order to protect your home’s foundation.
If you live in an area that is subject to many natural disasters, it may be a good idea to put precautionary measures in place. Or have money saved for future foundation repairs.
What are Foundation Repair Costs by Type?
Determining the root causes of your foundation damage is critical to getting the problem fixed. Early signs of foundation cracks can manifest into larger problems in a moment’s notice. Hiring a professional will ensure that you get the foundation issue properly diagnosed and treated in a short amount of time. Here are the general foundation repair costs by type.
Foundation Leak Repair
Foundation leak repairs are usually corrected by sealing the entire foundation before securing the structure. This process costs anywhere from $1,500 to $8,000.
Foundation Lifting
Lifting your foundation to its original height might be necessary, but the overall cost depends on what type of foundation is used. The height it should be raised is also part of the calculus. Because it’s a fairly large project, foundation lifting can cost upwards of $25,000.
Foundation Wall Stabilization
Seasonal changes can force foundation walls to become de-stabilized. Foundation wall reinforcement will prevent serious problems. The costs of foundation wall stabilization can span between $4,000 and $14,000.
Basement Underpinning
Basement underpinning involves foundation lifting along with the installation of piers underground. This installation process involves placing multiple piers across locations underneath the property’s foundation. Basement underpinning costs between $1,000 and $4,000 per pier.
Types of Foundations
Here are the most common types of foundations that may garner repairs.
Concrete Slab
Concrete slabs may crack and require filling or bonding. This is typically done using high strength epoxy to perform proper sealing.
Basement
Basement foundations are a critical part of the structural integrity of the home. Basements help evenly distribute a building’s weight and keep it secured to the ground. The main types of basement foundations include full basement, crawl space, and daylight basement foundations.
Crawlspace
Crawlspaces are constructed between 18 inches and four feet above the ground. They are also known as elevated foundations, allowing space for pipes and electrical components.
Pier and Beam
Pier and beam foundations are constructed by putting wooden beams across a section of concrete piers to keep homes elevated. Problems can arise from buildups of mildew, mold or rodent infestations.
How Much Does the Average Foundation Repair Cost for Homeowners?
Foundation repair is something that no homeowner wants to have to deal with, but sometimes it is inevitable. This is just the reality as a home’s foundation doesn’t always stay in tip-top shape.
If your foundation looks like it may need to be repaired, it is a good idea to understand how much these repairs might cost. As well as create a game plan to tackle these issues and get your foundation back to where it used to be.
Check out the many foundation repair options that Foundation and Concrete Services offers to its customer.
