Foundation Repair Cost

Contributor: Chris Cates

What is The Average Cost of Foundation Repair?

Real price ranges for slab foundations, basement waterproofing, and crawl space repair – broken down by repair type and what drives your final quote. Trusted market data from Olshan Foundation Repair, the company that has been fixing foundations since 1933.

cost of foundation repair work on exterior

What is the average cost of foundation repair? In 2026, the average cost of foundation repair is $11,950.

2026 Foundation Repair Cost

Low end
$8,641
High end
$34,000+
National average (all types)
$11,950

Covers slab, pier-and-beam, basement, and crawl space repair. Every Olshan assessment is free — no commitment required.

This average can vary greatly depending on the extent of foundation damage your home is experiencing and where your home (or business) is located.

Determining the cost of foundation repair without an exhaustive structural assessment can be a real shot in the dark for homeowners. The build of the home, age of the home, severity of the damage, market, soil conditions, and the personal project goals of the homeowner are all important factors to consider.

Before You Get a Repair Quote

What Does a Foundation Evaluation Cost?

Evaluation Type What’s Included Typical Cost
Foundation repair company estimate
Olshan offers Free Evaluations
Comprehensive evaluation, pricing and repair plan $0 – $349
Home inspection with report General first-stage assessment with recommendation. If problems are identified you will need a certified expert. $375 – $675
Residential structural engineer report Comprehensive evaluation and repair plan. Does not specify cost of materials or labor. $499- $780
Commercial structural engineer report Comprehensive evaluation and repair plan. Does not specify cost of materials or labor. $780 – $1,550
The most important first step is a trained expert evaluation. Do not wait – foundation problems compound over time and become more costly to repair the longer they go unaddressed.

For an accurate foundation repair cost assessment, we always recommend scheduling a free Structural Assessment with a foundation repair company.

 

free foundation repair cost evaluation

Foundation Repair Cost Factors

Slab foundations, pier-and-beam homes, basements, and crawl spaces each fail differently and cost differently to fix.

Small cracks can be patched cosmetically for as little as $750 using light repairs such as epoxy crack injections. If foundation problems are caught early enough, they can often be mitigated using preventative measures, such as installing a drainage system, adding gutters and downspouts, addressing grading issues by sloping the landscape away from the foundation and/or using a foundation watering program.

For more extensive structural damage, piers or pilings are the most common repair type used to stabilize the property. Pilings or piers are installed under the foundation and designed to penetrate deep into the soil underneath the home, providing the home with support and long-term protection against structural movement.

Once installed, piers or pilings will help stabilize the foundation, working to reverse the signs of foundation damage, like cracks in walls, cracks near windows, bowing walls and restore sagging floors.

Slab Foundation Repair Cost

The most common foundation type in TX and much of the Southern US. Most repairs involve piering, foam injection, or crack sealing.

Repair Type Typical Cost
Hairline crack sealing (epoxy) – Cosmetic* $750 – $3,500
Mudjacking / slabjacking $5,000– $10,800
Polyurethane foam injection
Olshan uses PolyLift™
$4500 – $11,500
Steel push pier (per pier) $990 – $1,350
Helical pier (per pier) $3,500 – $4,400
Cable Lock™ ST Plus — Olshan hybrid piling (per pier)  Olshan Flagship $1,825 – $3,200
Drilled Pier $765 – $1,100
Drainage correction + re-grading $2,800 – $8,000
Severe structural failure / full underpinning $15,000 – $30,000+
Per-pier costs compound quickly. Most slab jobs require 5–15 piers depending on the affected area. Olshan Certified Structural Technicians ensure the minimum piers needed – not the maximum. Your free assessment will give you an exact count before any work begins.
$750
Minimum — hairline crack sealing
$11,950
National average, all foundation types
$32K+
Severe structural failure or full underpinning

Crawl Space (Pier & Beam) Foundation Repair Costs

Common in older homes. Unlike slabs, comprehensive repairs often involve wood rot, support post replacement, air quality and moisture correction in addition to structural work.

Repair Type Typical Cost
Shimming existing piers (minor leveling) $800 – $3,500
Single pier replacement $1100– $1,700
Multiple pier replacement  Common $6,600 – $12,000
New pier addition / underpinning (per pier) $1,100 – $3,000
Beam sister / sister joist repair $1,500 – $4,000
Wood rot / moisture damage repair $2,000 – $25,000
Cable Lock™ ST Plus — Olshan hybrid piling (per pier)  Olshan Flagship $1,825 – $3,350
Crawl space support post installation
Olshan uses SafeAdjust™ support columns
$1,300 – $2,500
DeepAdjust™ (Cable Lock ST Plus + SafeAdjust combo) $6,500 – $19,600
Drainage + crawl space moisture correction $4,700 – $8,200
Full re-leveling (widespread settlement) $9,000 – $23,000
Moisture is usually the underlying problem. Pier-and-beam homes are especially vulnerable to wood rot and mold in the crawl space below. Fixing piers without addressing drainage and moisture can result in repeat failures. Olshan evaluates both the structure and its environment.

Basement Repair & Waterproofing Costs

Basements sit below grade and are susceptible to hydrostatic pressure and moisture issues. Repairs range from simple crack injection to full waterproofing systems and wall stabilization.

Repair Type Typical Cost
Wall crack injection (epoxy / urethane) $750 – $4,500
Sump pump installation  Common $1,600 – $4,000
Interior drainage system (French drain) $5,100 – $8,500
Carbon fiber straps (wall stabilization) $5,500 – $13,000
Wall anchors / adjustable wall braces (bowing walls)
Olshan uses Wall Lock™ system
$6,000 – $13,000
Exterior waterproofing membrane $9,000 – $35,000
Full basement waterproofing system $10,000 – $35,000
Underpinning / helical piers (settling) $10,000 – $30,000+
Horizontal cracks require immediate attention. Diagonal and stair-step cracks typically indicate settlement. Horizontal cracks signal lateral soil pressure and can progress to full wall failure if left unaddressed. Olshan offers full basement wall repair and waterproofing across our service area.

Crawl Space Encapsulation Costs

Moisture is almost always part of the problem when it comes to pier and beam homes.

Repair Type Typical Cost
Crawl space inspection + moisture assessment Free (Olshan)
Vapor barrier / moisture barrier installation $3,500 – $6,700
Crawl space support post / jack installation
Olshan uses SafeAdjust™ support columns
$1,300 – $2,400
LumberKote™ spray-on subfloor rot prevention $1,500 – $4,200
Rotted joist / beam replacement $1,300 – $2,200
Interior drainage + sump pump $3,500 – $8,500
Full crawl space encapsulation (barriers, liner, dehumidifier)  Combo
Olshan uses SafeSeal™ system
$12,000 – $36,000
Mold remediation $1,600– $8,500
Insulation + air sealing $2,500 – $7,500
Full structural + moisture restoration $12,500 – $42,000
Sagging floors are often a crawl space problem. If your floors are bouncy or have visible dips, the issue is frequently wood rot or failed support posts in the crawl space. A proper assessment rules this in or out before any structural repair is recommended.

What Drives the Price

6 Factors That Determine Your Repair Cost

No two foundations fail the same way. Every variable below can shift your quote substantially – in either direction.

Foundation Type
Slab, pier-and-beam, basement, and crawl space foundations each require different repair methods. Basements and full crawl space restorations are typically the most expensive.
Severity & Time Elapsed
A hairline crack caught early can cost $750. Left for two years, the same crack can become a $15,000+ structural failure. Foundation problems do not self-correct – they compound.
Soil Conditions
Expansive clay soils common across TX, South, and parts of the Midwest swell and shrink with moisture, amplifying foundation movement and requiring deeper pier placement.
Home Size & Affected Area
The size of the affected zone matters more than total square footage. A localized corner repair costs far less than widespread perimeter settlement requiring a full line of piers.
Number of Piers Needed
Each pier is priced individually from $1,100-$4,700. A company recommending 20 piers when 10 will stabilize your structure is directly padding your bill. Olshan identifies the best necessary solution.
Moisture & Drainage
Poor drainage is often the root cause behind foundation movement, basement leaks, and crawl space deterioration. Fixing it correctly the first time prevents repeat failure and additional repair costs.
Waiting is almost always more expensive.Foundation problems do not plateau. Water, tree roots, and seasonal soil movement compound damage over time. A repair that costs $3,000 today may cost $12,000 or more after another year of movement.

 

Not Every Job Is a Big One

Sometimes Maintenance Is All You Need

Not every assessment ends with a repair quote. Some homes need a mitigation strategy, not structural work. In those cases, costs can be as low as $500 (DIY) to $3,000.

Signs of a Larger Problem
  • X Cracks wider than 1/4 inch
  • X Horizontal cracks in basement walls
  • X Floors sloping more than 1 inch over 10 feet
  • X Gaps between walls and ceiling or floor
  • X Doors or windows that no longer close
  • X Standing water in crawl space or basement
Signs Prevention May Be Enough
  • Hairline or stair-step cracks only
  • Minor, seasonal door sticking
  • Settlement under 1 inch, stable
  • Cosmetic drywall cracks, no structural shift
  • Drainage issues caught before damage starts
  • Crawl space moisture without wood rot yet

Finding Qualified Structural Technicians To Price Your Repair

When it comes to addressing foundation problems, you do not want to settle for a quick fix from unqualified technicians. Though some foundation repair consultants may quote you low prices, be wary of low rates that sound too good to be true. Make sure you’re working with a company that has an established history with your local BBB. Services from unproven companies can result in a less reliable analysis, which could mean that many of your issues will not be addressed, creating a need for even more costly repairs in the future – when that company may no longer be in business.

You need a solution that will deliver long-term results. Our team is thorough and efficient and will work quickly to make sure we address the problem in the best possible way – without leaving a mess. We evaluation your foundation at every angle and offer an available warranty program to give you even greater peace of mind. Typical foundation repair services from Olshan range anywhere from $3,500 to $9,500 or even higher in some cases, like when dealing with extremely large properties.

 

Know What to Look For

Foundation Problem Warning Signs

Every structural failure starts with something subtle. These signals apply to slab, basement, and crawl space foundations alike.

Diagonal cracks running from door or window corners
Floors that slope, dip, or feel soft or bouncy underfoot
Doors and windows that stick, won’t latch, or have visible gaps
Gaps between interior walls and ceiling or floor
Water intrusion, dampness, or mold in basement or crawl space
Bowing, bulging, or leaning walls in basement
Musty odor from crawl space or basement area
Chimney separating or leaning away from the structure
The earlier you call, the smaller the repair bill.
Olshan assessments are free, no-pressure, and performed by a Certified Structural Technician. You leave with a clear picture of your foundation’s condition and what, if anything, needs to happen next.

Our Approach

How Olshan Determines Your Repair Cost

Due to the complex nature of foundation projects, we do not typically quote over the phone or from photos (aside from ballpark costs). Every price we deliver is backed by a thorough an on-site evaluation of your foundation, crawl space, or basement.

Note: We can also price repair plans designed by Structural Engineers when provided with an Engineer’s Report.

1
Free In-Home Evaluation
A Certified Structural Technician visits your home at no charge.
2
Full Structural & Moisture Inspection
We assess your foundation, document crack patterns, check floor slope with digital leveling equipment, assess your crawl space or basement, and evaluate drainage and soil conditions. We look for the cause, not just the symptom.
3
Honest Diagnosis
We tell you what we found and what we recommend – even if that means watering your foundation, correcting drainage, or removing a tree rather than scheduling structural repair.
4
Clear, Itemized Quote
If repair is warranted, you receive a detailed quote and drawing. You will know exactly what is being done, where, and why – before a single pier is driven or a foot of drainage installed.
5
Payment Plans as Low as $125/Month
Olshan offers flexible payment plans in most markets. Your Certified Structural Technician walks you through monthly payment options on-site so cost does not force you to delay a repair that needs to happen now.

Common Questions

Foundation Repair Cost FAQs

The questions homeowners ask most often before scheduling an assessment.

What is the average cost of foundation repair? +

Nationally, foundation repair averages around $11,950 in 2026. Minor crack repairs start at $750. Extensive slab or basement underpinning, or full crawl space restoration can exceed $20,000. The right number for your home depends on foundation type, soil conditions, damage severity, and repair method.

What is the Cable Lock ST Plus system and why does Olshan use it? +

Cable Lock™ ST Plus is Olshan’s patented hybrid piling system and our primary repair method for most residential foundation jobs. It combines the bearing strength of concrete pilings with the depth capability of steel piers, locked together with a cable for rigidity. At $1,825-$3,350 per pier, it is competitively priced against generic steel piers but engineered specifically for the expansive soil conditions common across our service area. It installs without heavy equipment, causes minimal disruption to landscaping, and is backed by Olshan’s available lifetime warranty.

How much does crawl space repair cost? +

Crawl space repair ranges from $1,500 for a basic vapor barrier to $10,000 or more for full encapsulation with drainage and structural support post replacement. Wood rot and mold remediation are common additions that push costs higher when moisture problems have been present long-term. Olshan evaluations crawl spaces as part of every free assessment and uses the SafeSeal™ encapsulation system and SafeAdjust™ support columns where needed.

How much does basement waterproofing cost? +

Basement waterproofing typically runs $3,500 to $20,000 depending on the solution required. A sump pump alone with installation and warranty is $1,000-$4,000. A full interior drainage system with sump and wall membrane runs $6,000-$20,000. For bowing or buckling walls, Olshan’s Wall Lock™ system and carbon fiber straps run $4,000-$12,000 depending on the number of anchor points required.

Does homeowners insurance cover foundation repair? +

Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover foundation repair caused by soil movement, settlement, or long-term moisture – the most common causes. If damage results from a sudden accidental event like a burst pipe, your policy may apply. Always verify with your agent. Olshan provides detailed inspection reports that can support insurance documentation when a claim may be relevant.

How many piers does a typical repair require? +

A small affected corner may need 4-6 piers. Widespread settlement along an entire side can require 12-20 or more. Each pier adds $1,500-$3,500 (or $1,825-$3,350 for Cable Lock™ ST Plus) to your total, so pier count is one of the biggest cost levers in any foundation repair quote.

What is crawl space encapsulation and is it worth the cost? +

Crawl space encapsulation seals the crawl space from outside air and moisture using a heavy-duty vapor barrier, sealed vents, and sometimes a dehumidifier or drainage system. It runs $5,400-$12,000 for most homes. For homes with chronic moisture, wood rot, or high humidity, it is often the most cost-effective long-term solution – deterring repeat structural damage and improving indoor air quality. Olshan’s SafeSeal™ system handles full encapsulation including moisture barriers, water-resistant liner, and dehumidifier installation.

Does Olshan offer financing for foundation repair? +

Yes. Olshan offers convenient payment plans in most markets across our service area. Your technician can walk you through payment options on-site during your free assessment. Cost should not be the reason a necessary repair gets delayed.

Will foundation repair affect my home’s resale value? +

A repaired, warranted foundation typically sells better than a home with known, unaddressed foundation issues. Buyers and their lenders are far more comfortable with a completed repair backed by a transferable warranty than with active damage. Olshan’s warranty transfers to future owners – a genuine selling point that distinguishes your home from comparable properties with unresolved issues.

90+
Years in foundation repair across our service area

Quick Cost Guide
Crack injection$750-$3,500K
Mudjacking$1,900-$3.8K
Steel / helical pier$3.5K-$4.4K
Cable Lock™ ST Plus$1.8K-$3.3K
House leveling$4K-$15K
Crawl space encap.$6K-$32K
Basement waterproof.$3.5K-$20K
Basement wall anchors$6K-$17K

$125/Month Payment Plan Available

Do not let cost delay a repair that needs to happen. Olshan offers monthly payment programs in most markets – ask your technician at your free assessment.

Calculating Foundation Repair Costs

foundation repair costSince project scope differs so greatly and each homeowners’ structural problems are unique, prices can fluctuate drastically depending on your needs. At Olshan we don’t just treat symptoms, we find the cause of your structural problems. We offer free, no-hassle assessments if you would like help determining the the source, seriousness and cost of your foundation problem. We also offer a convenient payment program in most markets.

By identifying the source of your foundation issues early on you can help mitigate costly repairs down the road. Olshan offers a cost-effective and thorough foundation repair option; our technicians will painstakingly inspect your foundation to determine the exact cause and the best solution.

 
Chris Cates, Olshan Subject Matter Expert

Chris Cates

Chris has been in the foundation repair industry since the late 80’s. He has 40+ years of experience designing foundation repairs plans of all types and sizes. Chris' work and expertise has been featured in the local Houston media several times, including appearances on the CW39 News, Click 2 Houston News, ABC 13 News, The Sealy News and The Houston Business Journal. Chris' important work in research and development, played an integral role in the development of a patented repair method (US Patent #10,428,516 B2) designed to stabilize damaged tilt walls. Chris Cates is recognized as an innovator in the industry both locally and nationally.