Introduction
Seeing cracks or experiencing uneven flooring are some of the most common signs of foundation damage. They can make a homeowner worry not just for their property’s integrity but also for the well-being of their wallets. While repairs can range anywhere from $2200 to $8100, the final price depends on the kind of repairs your foundations need, the location of your home, and the extent of damage. This blog is here to tell you exactly what goes into the final bill of your foundation repair services so that if you ever need them, you won’t be caught off guard.
Foundation Repairs: Costs Based On Types Of Repair Methods
Okay, so before we get into it, let’s determine what type of repairs you’re looking for. While small cracks can be sealed for a few hundred dollars, large-scale structural damage will require $30,000 or more to be sorted.
Let’s take a look at how much each repair technique will cost you.
- Mud-Jacking & Slab-Jacking
This method involves pumping a grout mixture under your foundations to bring them back to their original position. It is a non-invasive and cost-effective technique to fix misaligned or shifting foundations and can cost you $550 to $1450, depending on your property’s size.
- Piers & Underpinning
Usually a good fix for older buildings with weakened foundations, this method employs additional support beams to reinforce your foundations. If you’re looking for a long-term solution and a one-time investment of about $1000 to $3000 per pier, then this is the right solution for you.
- Foundation Sealing & Waterproofing
Next, if your foundation contractors tell you that your foundations have suffered from water damage and need sealing and waterproofing, you can expect to pay a heavy sum of about $3300 to $7300 to shield them against further damage.
- Foundation Reinforcement & Stabilization
Now we’re really getting into the expensive solutions. If this is what your failing foundations need, expect to pay about $4000 to $12000 for each strip. Steel strips are ideal for preventing serious shifts in the foundation, while carbon fiber materials are great if you’ve noticed bowing walls. If you’re tackling reinforcements area by area, expect to pay about $500 to $7000 for each area.
- Foundation Lifting & Levelling
Finally, the most expensive of the foundation damage solutions, this method involves skillfully restoring your house to its original position. It is a long and arduous process that can cost $3 to $25 per square foot. If you’re going for this foundation repair method, expect to invest about $20,000 to $30,000 in the process.
Other Factors Impacting The Final Price Of Foundation Repairs
With us so far? Great! Foundation repairs aren’t as simple as just that. This is a complicated process, involving many steps and numerous variables.
Here is a look at a few other factors that contribute to the final price tag
- The Price You Pay For Size
Obviously, the bigger your house, the more work it will require. If you’ve got a 3000 square foot home that requires piers and beams, the price will be double that of a 1500 square foot home, due to the extra material, extended work hours, and possibly more labor.
- Difficult Accesses, Higher Charges
If your home is located in a small neighborhood where each house is pretty close to the next, the foundation crew will have difficulty accessing the foundations. This will be especially difficult with the need for special equipment or even the need to take care of repairs by hand. But if the foundations are easy to reach, you won’t have to add too much to the final bill.
- The Condition Of The Soil
Next, consider that each soil type has its own requirements. If your home is located in an area with a shifting clay base, the cost of repairs will be higher compared to a home that has stable sand underneath.If the ground is constantly shifting, your foundation contractors may recommend replacing drainage and adding stronger, deeper reinforcements.
- Paperwork & Permits
Something that can slip your mind is that you’ll need to acquire the right kind of approvals from local authorities when you go for foundation repairs. This is another contributing factor to the final cost of foundation repairs.
- The Local Labor Cost
Yet another contributing factor is where you live. If you live in a busy city, the cost of repairs will be much higher because of higher demand. But if you’re in an area with lower service demands, the final price for foundation repairs will not be as hefty.
- Hidden Expenses
As with most home renovation projects, we never know what we’ll find when we get into the foundations of the structure. As a safety net, it is always a good idea to have $1000 to $2000 set aside in case the contractor encounters unexpected damage along the way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, foundations are literally the base of your home, keeping it strong, stable, and upright. While a cautious estimate takes repair costs to the neighborhood of $2200 and $8100, it is important to remember that the investment needed can vary significantly depending on things like the method used, local labor laws, permits, and the location of your home.
FAQs
What is the most commonly requested foundation repair?
Repairs for cracks are the most commonly requested service.
Is foundation repair covered by home insurance?
Only if the damage occurs by an event that is covered by your insurance.
Can I DIY my foundation repair?
Trying to take on foundation repairs is highly discouraged, as without the expertise, tools, and knowledge of professionals, you could worsen the problem or seriously injure yourself.
