Most homeowners will pay around $4,004 to repair foundation issues. Major repairs involving hydraulic piers can cost $10,000 or more, and minor cracks cost as low as $500. The typical homeowner pays between $1,850 and $6,342.
Foundation settlement and cracking can lead to major structural problems for your home. There are ways to repair these issues without tearing it out and starting from scratch. It can be a costly job, but the better educated you are about types of foundations, common issues and how best to fix them, the better you can work with your contractor to find a solution you can afford.
Estimated Costs to Fix Foundation Problems
Foundations that have been built on expansive clay, compressible or improperly compacted fill soils, or have been poorly maintained can cause serious damage as they settle and move. If you see signs of such damage, like cracks in walls or doors that won’t close properly, it is important to talk to a professional right away. Damaged foundations that are not repaired quickly can lead not only to irreparable damage, but to structures that are unsafe. The longer you wait, the worse the damage can get and the costlier it will be to fix.
The rule of thumb when you see any issue: the longer you wait, the worse it gets. Even if you get it repaired, there may be damage to the inside of your home that will also require expensive repair. Often, in these cases, much of that extra cost could be avoided by acting more quickly.
Cracks
Crack repairs will run you between $250 – $800.
Cracks wider than ⅛’ are cause for concern. At this point, you probably have a structural problem and should consult a structural engineer about your options. It could be that your foundation is sinking or the soil is exerting too much pressure on it.
Cracks that do not affect the structure can be fixed easily. However, they should not be ignored because they are throughways for moisture and could lead to structural problems if left alone. This fix will involve injecting either epoxy or polyurethane foam. If it’s wet and leaking, waterproofing will be necessary.
Leaks
Price to Fix: $2,000 – $6,000
A leak or two can signal a huge problem with drainage and moisture around your home. To fix this issue, you will want to consult a professional about various waterproofing techniques which will better secure the structure. They will probably recommend sealing your foundation. To do this, contractors excavate around your foundation, install new tile drains and fill the cracks with cement. They will also coat the structure in sealant and wrap it in a waterproof material. The cost of this repair involves labor, time and equipment, but it will be worth it to have a stable home.
Setting/sinking
Pier or Pile: $1,000-$3,000 per unit or Mudjacking: $500-$1,300
This is a major foundation issue which demands immediate attention. Further settling will lead to more damage and instability. You may not be aware that your foundation is doing this until you have cracks and leaks assessed, or you may be able to tell by inspecting early signs of damage. The solution for this problem is to have the foundation leveled.
