Coming up with an average cost for foundation repair work can be quite difficult since there are so many factors that need to be considered. It all depends on the extent of work that needs to be done, as well as the type of foundation, the soil, the repair method used, your location, accessibility and the time and labor involved. For instance, a minor job could cost as little as a few hundred dollars while major repair work may run as high as tens of thousands.
Here in The Bay Area, we repair all types of foundations. Some are easy fixes, while others can be quite the engineering challenge. We typically find issues with the basement when a homeowner brings us in for a home remodeling project and we have to assess the soundness of the foundation before proceeding.
Costs For Foundation Repairs
Some other foundation repair costs that need to be considered include hiring a structural engineer, obtaining soil reports and building permits, seismic work, slabjacking and pier costs. There could also be a few hidden obstacles in the way such as deep footings, old repairs, and tree roots etc. If you require foundation work on your property due to flooding or faulty plumbing, be sure to contact your insurance company to see what is and what isn’t covered under your policy.
When purchasing a new home, it’s recommended that you hire a home inspector to see if there are any problems that need to be dealt with. If there are, you can simply walk away from the deal. However, if you already own the home and a problem arises you’ll need to repair it. When you come across a foundation issue it’s certainly better to rectify it sooner rather than later so it doesn’t become worse, unsafe and lead to irreparable damage.
In some cases, major repairs which need the use of hydraulic piers may cost an average of $10,000 or more, while minor cracks that only require crack filler may be fixed for an average of $500. However, the average repair often comes somewhere between the two prices. Two of the most common methods for foundation problems involve piering or slabjacking. When piering is used it means supports are placed underground to support and lift the concrete. This means the contractor needs to dig several feet down to make sure the pier is solidified. It’s then placed beneath the foundation and operated with hydraulics as it lifts the foundation to where it should be and stabilizes it. Several piers are used and located at different locations under the home’s foundation.
When it comes to slabjacking, a mixture of grout is placed beneath the concrete foundation and it floats the foundation to where it should be. In general, the piering method is usually the most costly since excavation is required and the hydraulic piers have to be installed. For more detailed information on foundation repairs and a free, thorough no-obligation estimate, contact a local waterproofing contractor
Get Estimates On Foundation Repairs
A good contractor helps to estimate the cost of foundation repairs by consulting with you and providing you with a free inspection and estimate of work. Once we’ve discovered the cause of the problem we can decide on the best method to repair it and evaluate with you the costs involved with the project. Just remember, that you shouldn’t consider any estimate if the company you contact doesn’t visit your home and inspect the property first. It’s also recommended that you contact more than one contractor for an estimate.
In addition, don’t be afraid to ask any questions you may have concerning the work. You may be interested in the method of repair used, if there are any financial payment options, how long the job will take, is the work guaranteed and if there are any hidden repair costs etc. Since foundation settlement may result in major structural damage, we make sure our estimates are as accurate as can be, so you can decide whether or not you want to start the repair work right away.
Take care of foundation issues right away
Foundation issues, if found early, can be fairly inexpensive to repair. But if you wait to long and the foundation starts to erode, it could easily cost 50-100k to properly repair. Inspect you foundation often for signs of cracks and leaks to ensure you don’t get hit with a surprise bill later on down the road.