Noticing a crooked doorway or widening cracks in your walls can be alarming—it’s often a sign of foundation issues.
The immediate question is usually, “How much will it cost to fix?”
Foundation repair costs can vary widely depending on the extent of the damage and the specific repairs needed. Understanding key factors, such as the type of foundation and the severity of the damage, will help you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs.
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a clearer sense of what to expect and how to plan for repairs.
Average Cost of Foundation Repair
Pinpointing an exact average foundation repair cost is tricky because each house’s foundation is different.
Repairs for moderate foundation damage typically start between $8,000 and $12,000. Costs can escalate to $20,000-$30,000 or more.
Minor crack repair costs for small cracks might only be a few hundred dollars, while major overhauls requiring house lifting can reach $100,000, including cases where foundation replacement is required. Repairs range from patching cracks to reinforcing your foundation using piers.
Factors Affecting The Cost of Foundation Repair
Several variables play a role in determining foundation repair costs. These factors cause significant cost fluctuations.
Foundation Type and Material
Your total cost hinges partly on the foundation type. Different foundations have different foundation repair needs and costs.
For example, crawl space foundation repair might cost less than slab foundations and pier and beam due to easier access which brings down labor costs.
Foundation materials also contribute to overall costs. For example, if your foundation requires reinforcement, the reinforcement material will also play a role in determining your overall costs. Some reinforcement prices range from $85-$250 per square foot depending on the material used.
For example, carbon fiber reinforcement and steel pier reinforcement can cost $4,000-$12,000 for about a dozen reinforcement strips.
Extent of the Damage
More extensive damage means higher costs. Minor settlement and a few horizontal cracks are cheaper to fix than sinking, bowing walls, or crumbling.
Catching foundation problems early, and getting a structural report to detail those foundation issues, can save you money. Noticing issues early helps too, before the damage to your entire foundation grows more extensive.
Repair Method
Each foundation problem requires a different solution. The foundation repair method used can significantly affect the total repair cost. Some foundation problems may require advanced repair methods that will set you back more than others.
It’s important to discuss with a foundation repair specialist to determine the best repair method for you. Homeowners in Kentucky can contact Bluegrass Foundation Repair for free evaluations.
Soil Conditions
Poor soil conditions greatly influence foundation issues, including the total cost. Expansive clay soils shrink and swell with moisture, requiring specialized repairs.
Addressing poor soil drainage might increase foundation repair costs. Drainage solutions cost around $800–$15,000, impacting the cost of your foundation repairs.
5 Types of Foundation Repair Methods with Costs
Here are common methods and average costs to help evaluate your options.
1. Slabjacking/Mudjacking
This involves injecting a cement-like slurry beneath a sunken concrete slab to raise it back to its original level. It’s typically used for minor settling in concrete foundations. Mudjacking costs $500 to $1,300 on average.
2. Piering/Underpinning
Steel or concrete piers are driven deep into the ground to stabilize and support a sinking foundation. It’s ideal for severe settling or unstable soil conditions. This typically costs $1,000 to $3,000 per pier.
3. Crack Repair
Minor foundation cracks are filled with epoxy or polyurethane foam to prevent water infiltration and further damage. Crack repair costs $250 to $800 on average.
4. Bowing Wall Repair
This costs between $4,000 to $12,000. It involves stabilizing bowed walls using steel or carbon fiber strips. Bowing walls are signs that you need foundation reinforcement immediately.
5. Waterproofing
For damages caused by water, waterproofing is used to fix and prevent water intrusion with sealants, membranes, and drainage systems. Sometimes water damage from drainage problems around your foundation require this, along with determining the source water and stopping those leaks.
Waterproofing will set you back $2,000 to $7,000 on average.
Frequently Asked Questions
Invest in Your Home’s Stability
Tackling foundation problems can feel overwhelming, and foundation repair cost is a major concern. By understanding the variables, including different foundation types like crawl space foundations and slab foundations, and various repair strategies, you can confidently face those cracked walls and sticking doors.
Bluegrass Foundation Repair specialists have a long history of providing homeowners with lasting solutions to crawl space and foundation problems. We offer customized solutions and transparent pricing to make sure you get the best quality foundation repairs at affordable prices.
Call us today for a FREE evaluation.