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Foundation Repair Cost Calculator
Your foundation
Linear feet is used for crack sealing, piering, underpinning and waterproofing; piers are spaced about 6 feet apart. Square feet is used for leveling only.
These are typical US cost ranges for 2026, not a quote. Actual prices vary by region, access and the extent of the damage. Get quotes from at least two licensed local contractors before you decide.
Example: slab foundation, crack sealing over 40 linear feet, moderate severity → $3,000 to $6,000.
Behind the numbers
How a foundation repair estimate is worked out
Each repair method has a typical per-unit rate: crack sealing and waterproofing are priced per linear foot, leveling per square foot, and piering and underpinning per pier (one pier about every 6 feet). That base cost is then adjusted for the foundation type — basements and crawl spaces cost more because access is harder — and for severity, because wide cracks and major sinking take more work.
Slab foundations use a factor of 1.00, crawl space 1.15, pier & beam 1.10 and basement 1.25. Severity uses 0.85 for minor, 1.00 for moderate and 1.35 for severe damage. The result is a range, not a single price, because rates vary by contractor and region.
Typical per-unit rates (2026)
Rates are typical US ranges for 2026. Permits, engineering reports and excavation can add to the bill.
A few comparisons
Example repair costs
| Repair | Foundation | Size | Severity | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crack sealing | Slab | 40 lin ft | Moderate | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Piering (10 piers) | Basement | 60 lin ft | Moderate | $12,500 – $37,500 |
| Leveling | Slab | 500 sq ft | Severe | $3,375 – $16,875 |
| Waterproofing | Crawl space | 80 lin ft | Minor | $3,910 – $7,820 |
| Underpinning (8 piers) | Pier & beam | 48 lin ft | Severe | $11,880 – $35,640 |
Get the repair right the first time.
Get at least two written quotes from licensed, insured foundation contractors, and compare the method they propose — not just the price. The cheapest fix is not always the right one.
Ask what the warranty covers and for how long. A transferable lifetime warranty on piers is worth more than a small saving on a job with no warranty at all.
Fix the water first. Poor drainage and leaking gutters cause most foundation movement, and a repair will not last if water keeps pooling against the house.
Get a structural engineer’s report for severe damage before you sign a repair contract. It costs a few hundred dollars and tells you exactly what the house needs.
Good to know
Your foundation repair questions, answered.
How much does foundation repair cost?
Most US foundation repairs fall between $2,000 and $8,000, but the range is wide: a few sealed cracks can cost $3,000 to $6,000, while full piering of a basement can run $12,500 to $37,500 or more. The method, the foundation type, the size of the job and the severity of the damage all move the price.
What is the cheapest foundation repair method?
Crack sealing is usually the cheapest, at $75 to $150 per linear foot. Waterproofing runs $50 to $100 per linear foot, leveling $5 to $25 per square foot, and piering or underpinning $1,000 to $3,000 per pier — the most expensive, because each pier is a separate steel or concrete support driven deep into the ground.
Does homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
Usually not for settling, wear or poor drainage, which are the most common causes. Insurance may cover sudden damage, such as a burst pipe undermining the foundation, but check your policy: many exclude foundation movement and earth movement entirely. Keep photos and contractor reports if you file a claim.
How long does foundation piering take?
A typical piering job takes 2 to 5 days for a crew to install the piers and lift the foundation, depending on the number of piers and access. Crack sealing can be done in a day, while underpinning a whole house can take 2 to 4 weeks. Ask the contractor for a written schedule before work starts.