Foundation repair
cost calculator
Get a real cost range for foundation repair and waterproofing — by repair type, soil condition, access difficulty, and metro.
Foundation repair cost
Estimates only — always verify with a local contractor before committing. Numbers based on 2026 USA regional labor + material indexes; updated quarterly.
Foundation repair cost factors
Foundation repair cost depends on five things — in roughly this order of impact:
- Type of repair. Crack injection ($500–$1,500) is the cheapest. Pier-and-beam stabilization ($5k–$15k) is the most common mid-range job. Full replacement ($25k–$60k+) is rare but real.
- Linear footage affected. Pier costs scale per linear foot of stabilization. A typical 20-foot wall repair runs $5k–$15k; a whole-perimeter job easily exceeds $40k.
- Soil + access. Expansive clay soils (Texas, Oklahoma) need more piers and deeper drilling. Tight side yards or basement access can double labor cost.
- Waterproofing scope. Exterior waterproofing for a typical basement adds $3,000–$10,000. Interior alternatives (epoxy + drain) are cheaper but less durable.
- Engineering + permits. Structural engineer reports ($400–$1,200) are required for any major work. Permit fees vary $300–$1,500 by jurisdiction.
For a deeper walk-through, see the full foundation cost guide.
Foundation repair cost questions
What's the difference between piers and slabjacking?
Piers are vertical supports driven deep into stable soil to lift and stabilize a sinking foundation — typically $1,000–$2,500 per pier. Slabjacking (also called mudjacking or polyjacking) injects material under a slab to lift it — typically $500–$1,500 per spot. Piers fix structural failure; slabjacking fixes settled slabs that aren't structurally failing.
Will homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
Almost never — foundation movement is excluded under "earth movement" or "settling" clauses in nearly all standard policies. Exception: sudden damage from a covered event (burst pipe under slab, vehicle impact) may be covered. Check your specific policy.
How long does foundation repair take?
Crack injection: 1–2 days. Pier stabilization for a typical 20-foot wall: 3–5 days. Full waterproofing: 5–10 days. Full replacement: 2–6 weeks, plus 6–8 weeks of permits and engineering before starting.
Do I need a structural engineer report?
For crack injection only: no. For any piering, replacement, or waterproofing work: yes — it costs $400–$1,200 and protects you from contractor misdiagnosis. Most cities require engineer-stamped plans for permit approval on structural work.
Should I waterproof the inside or the outside?
Exterior waterproofing (excavating around the foundation, installing membrane and drainage) is the proper fix — $5k–$10k typical. Interior solutions (epoxy crack sealing, sump pump, interior drain) are 30–60% cheaper but address symptoms not causes. For finished basements at risk of repeat flooding, do exterior.