Whether you’re already a homeowner or browsing the market, it’s important to get the foundation properly inspected. Even your dream home that may appear to be problem-free is at risk of foundational damage. In fact, Houwzer reports that around 25 percent of all homes will experience some type of structural distress.¹ There are endless dangers to this type of damage, giving you more reason to search online and look into getting it inspected.
You might be surprised at how a minor foundational issue can put your home’s safety at risk. Fortunately, a search online can help you catch the signs and get help before too much damage has been done.
Gagarin Iurii / ShutterstockHere’s a rundown of what you need to know about foundation repair.
Signs Your Foundation is At Risk
The foundation is responsible for transmitting the load of your home to the ground and stabilizing the structure. Without a solid foundation, your home cannot be stable.
There are several factors that can lead to foundation damage, such as climate, plumbing leaks, poor soil compaction, or poor foundation draining. Foundation problems can typically lead to one of two problems:²
- Settlement: The unnatural sinking of the foundation.
- Upheaval: When the foundation rises above the original grade.
Foundation damage isn’t always as obvious as rising or sinking foundations. There are other things that could signal a foundational problem. These signs include:³
- Foundation cracks;
- Problematic doors;
- Gaps around window frames or exterior doors;
- Sagging or uneven floors;
- Damp crawl space, and;
- Counters or cabinets separating from the wall.
What starts out as a foundation problem can quickly turn into a lot more, be it plumbing damage, insect infestations, or mold growth. Your utility bills could also increase since a weak foundation can allow humid air to come in, making your air conditioning work harder.
A failing foundation also decreases the house’s value. The scary thing is that it can domino into other areas of the home to impact your floors, walls, ceilings, and everything in between.⁴ If you wait too long to get things fixed, more problems can pop up and make a dent in your wallet.
The Cost to Repair a Home’s Foundation
The last things a homeowner should want to deal with are problems with their foundation. Not only is it a dangerous problem, but it’s also incredibly expensive. In fact, major structural repairs or underpinning can cost more than $10,000 to fix.⁵
The best way to avoid dropping this kind of money on repairs is by catching problems before they escalate. The sooner you get it repaired, the cheaper it should cost to fix.
Home Advisor says most homeowners can expect to pay between $2,021 and $7,059 on repairs, with the average paying $4,513. The cost entirely depends on how severe the problem is. The lower end of the spectrum is crack repairs, which typically costs $250 to $800.⁶
Anything more serious than a crack will cost in the thousands. The following are examples of foundational problems and what it usually costs to fix:
- Foundation Leak: $2,000 to $7,000.
- House Settling and Sinking: $1,000 to $3,000 per pier or $500 to $1,300 for mudjacking.
- Bowing Wall: $250 to $1,000 per carbon fiber or steel reinforcement strip.
- Piering or Basement Underpinning: $1,000 to $3,000 per pier.
- House Leveling or Foundation Jacking: $500 to $1,300.
- Foundation Stabilization: $4,000 to $12,000 for 12 strips of reinforcement.
- Sealing: $2,000 to $7,000.
Aside from the issue at hand, the cost of foundation repair will depend on the company you hire for the job.
How to Get Your Foundation Inspected and Repaired
It never hurts to get your foundation inspected. Whether you suspect there is something wrong or want to ensure that the home you’re moving into has no damage, it’s best to call an expert. They can check for both the unexpected and obvious signs.
Foundation Repair Services, Inc. says a professional will look to find out three things:⁷
- If the foundation is performing its intended function.
- If the foundation is compliant with building codes.
- If any repairs are needed.
After the problem is identified, contact a foundation repair company if you haven’t already done so.
You can search online to find professionals in your area that specialize in this type of work. See if they can give you a free quote and compare the different rates businesses have to offer. Just don’t wait too long to get things fixed, otherwise more unwanted problems could turn up and cost you more money.