How much does foundation repair cost?

What drives the price

• Number of piers. This is the biggest factor. A corner of the house might need a handful, and a whole-house lift might need dozens.
• Method. Pressed concrete pilings usually cost less per pier than steel or drilled concrete piers.
• Interior work. Piers inside the house mean breaking the slab or tunneling, which adds cost.
• Engineering, permits and plumbing tests. These are sometimes included and sometimes extra.
• Related work. Drainage corrections, root barriers and cosmetic repairs.

Typical ranges

These are rough national ranges that homeowners commonly report. Your estimate may be outside them.

• Smaller repairs (a few piers on one side): often in the low thousands of dollars.
• Typical repairs: commonly around $2,000–$8,000.
• Major or whole-house work with many piers, interior piers or drilled piers: $10,000–$15,000 or more.
• Pier & beam re-shimming without new piers: often less than slab work. Replacing rotted framing adds cost.

How to compare estimates

• Do the quotes use the same number and type of piers, at similar depths?
• Is an engineer's report included, or available?
• Are plumbing tests before and after the lift included?
• Who pulls the permit?
• Is the warranty transferable to a buyer, and are adjustments free?

Be cautious with pressure to sign the same day or large cash deposits. A reputable company gives you time to compare.