Foundation Cost Questions: What You Need to Know Before Investing 

Before embarking on a foundation repair project, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the costs involved. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the various types of foundation work and the factors that influence the expenses, helping you make informed decisions. 

Foundation Settlement:  

Foundation settlement, often caused by soil issues, can be effectively addressed using helical or push piers, or compaction grouting. These methods involve installing piers around the perimeter under load-bearing walls and occasionally in the crawlspace to support interior floors and walls. The spacing and placement of the piers are calculated by licensed professional engineers, taking into account factors such as stem wall type, roof snow loads, and rebar reinforcement. 

Cost of Helical & Push Piers:  

The cost of pier installation typically ranges from $1800 to $3300 per pier, depending on several variables. These include the number of piers required (more piers usually means a lower cost per pier), the depth of the piers (averaging around 15 feet), accessibility to deeper footings (which can affect installation difficulty), the location of your property (areas outside of greater Phoenix may incur higher travel expenses), the need for pre-drilling to reach load-bearing strata, and additional considerations like access and potential concrete removal/replacement. 

Cost of a Foundation Assessment:  

To determine whether piers are necessary, a foundation assessment is crucial. A Design Specialist can conduct this evaluation, typically costing around $500. However, if you reside outside the greater Phoenix area, own a larger home (over 3000 sq ft), or have a crawlspace, the assessment may be higher in cost. In-depth analyses performed by engineers with a seal can range from $1500 to $3000 for the report. Additionally, once you decide to proceed with the project, obtaining a permit could cost between $1700 and $3000, including calculations and drawings by a civil engineer. 

Cost of Heave Remediation: 

In cases where settlement isn't the problem, heave remediation becomes essential. It's crucial to accurately diagnose the issue, as piers are not suitable for heave and may even worsen the situation. Heave remediation using soil venting typically costs around $6000 to $8000 per system, and most houses with heave issues require one or two systems, depending on their size. 

Other Types of Foundation Repair:  

Beyond settlement-related problems, there are other foundation repair options to consider. Fixing floor cracks involves the use of low-viscosity polyuria and carbon fiber laminate, commonly known as crack stitching. The cost for this repair typically averages around $90 per linear foot, and most jobs total over $2000. For stem wall repair, which involves addressing horizontal cracks between the stucco or block and the soil around the perimeter, the cost is approximately $125 per linear foot, with most projects exceeding $3000. 

We hope this comprehensive guide has shed light on the various aspects of foundation repair costs. When you're ready to take the next step, feel free to consult with one of our Design Specialists for a free initial inspection of your foundation.