Foundation Repair Cost: Here's What To Expect
If you're a homeowner, when was the last time you questioned the condition of your house's foundation? If it's been more than several years, you're probably long overdue for a thorough inspection by a professional. Despite being commonly overlooked by homeowners, the foundation is arguably the most important element of your house, as it allows the habitable parts of your home to function and serve your family to the best of its ability. Its status as an important factor in your home's physical condition manifests through the costly investments homeowners contribute to keeping the foundation in pristine working order. Inspections alone can cost upwards of $1,000 without even factoring in the potential costs for repair following the assessment.
Repair costs can differ depending on where you live, as well as the contractor you recruit and the materials they'd need to complete the job. Though, it's a common sentiment that some issues require more money to fix than others. Here's an overview of the basic foundation problems residents may encounter in their homeownership journeys, as well as how much it would cost to fix these problems on average.
Cracking and erosion
Some of the most common issues homeowners experience with their foundation relates to the inevitable wear-and-tear of building materials over time, which can occur quicker than usual if the house was built using cheaper products or upon land susceptible to shifting. Cracking and gaping are indicators that a home's foundation needs attention from a professional. Addressing these issues can cost homeowners anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the situation.
Erosion is a slightly more concerning issue in the foundation repair scene and usually involves sections of your home's foundation becoming submerged in water for extended periods. Erosion is commonly caused by broken pipes, severe weather, and inefficient drainage surrounding the perimeter of your home. Depending on the extent of the deterioration, such costs can range from $500 to $10,000. To prevent water from damaging foundations in the future, select repair companies offer waterproofing services at much more affordable prices compared to those attached to repairs needed to fix long-term damage.
Shifting and sinking
Shifting and sinking are two other, albeit more serious, issues homeowners could face if they avoid having their foundation inspected every five to seven years. A house's foundation is significantly impacted by the land it sits upon, so any drastic change to the condition of the soil can result in a foundation undergoing detrimental adjustments. Shifting is commonly mistaken for a settling foundation but can alert to critical problems with the foundation's sturdiness. Companies could charge up to $20,000 to resolve shifting issues, depending heavily on the state of the foundation, along with the size of the house in question.
Shifting can also serve as an early warning sign for an even more severe issue: sinking. Foundations sink due to long-term exposure to water, and if left untreated, can erect a series of other costly issues that could lead to immense structural damage to your home. Costs to repair sinking issues can range from $1,000 to $25,000, depending on the size of your house and the extent of the damage.