Discovering a crack in your basement wall or realizing that your living room floor is sloping is every homeowner’s nightmare. We realize that the first feeling that hits you is panic, and the next is worrying about receiving a hefty bill for repairs. As a leading concrete company that encounters such problems every day, we realize at Bill’s Custom Concrete that the most difficult part is the uncertainty of whether it’s a fix or a renovation job.
The truth is that the cost of foundation repairs can vary widely depending on the nature of the problem. Although the average cost for foundation repairs is between $4,000 and $5,000, small repairs may only cost around $500, while extensive work may go all the way up to $15,000 or more. By being aware of the factors involved, you can be better prepared for what’s to come. If you’re searching for the best foundation repair companies in OKC, understanding these costs is essential.
The Variables that Influence Pricing
We cannot provide a fixed rate over the phone. This is simply due to the differences in each home and the type of soil. The type of foundation that you have will play the largest role in the rate that we provide. This will include the concrete, crawl space, or full basement. Accessibility will play a huge role in the rate, too. This may include breaking through patios or removing landscaping.
The degree of damage done is also a key variable. A vertical crack due to some settlement is completely different from a horizontal crack due to hydrostatic pressure. While the former may require some filling, the latter indicates your wall is bowing inwards and needs to be heavily reinforced.
Types of Repairs and Estimated Costs
Different problems need to be solved by different tools. For small and non-structural cracks, we use injections made from either epoxy or polyurethane. This fills the crack and prevents water from entering. It also reinforces the concrete. This is the cheapest solution and can cost between $400 and $900 per crack.
However, if the foundation of your house is settling or sinking, then we must consider piering and underpinning. This requires the use of steel and concrete piers, which are driven into the ground in an effort to elevate the foundation of the house. This requires a great deal of work. The cost of these piers can range from $1,300 to $3,000, depending on the location of the pier. Many homes will need a series of piers in order to support a corner or a wall, so the cost of the project will be anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000.
Another technique that we commonly employ for sinking concrete slabs is mudjacking/slab jacking. What we basically do here is pump a material under the concrete so that it can be raised back to its normal position. This process can be employed for porches, garages, and steps. The cost for such a process can lie between $600 and $1,600.
Professional Repair: Why It’s Better than DIY Repair
Just go into any hardware store, and you can see the kits they sell to repair concrete cracks for twenty dollars. It is tempting to save money, but we do not recommend doing the repairs yourself. The concrete crack could be a symptom of a larger issue with the soil or the drainage system. Your repair may conceal the crack, but it won’t prevent the wall from shifting.
What you are getting us and other professionals to do is to provide you with an accurate diagnosis. When you decide to perform a DIY repair on a structural issue in your wall, you are running the risk of having the wall collapse entirely, which in turn may affect the structural integrity of your entire home.
Moreover, when we repair your wall, we provide you with a warranty in case of further problems. If you’re wondering, how much does it cost to repair foundation? It really comes down to the sources and severity of the issues.
Protecting Your Investment
A foundation problem will not become less expensive to repair by ignoring it. Cracks will continue to spread, and even small settling issues can become severe foundation problems if the soil under your home continues to be compromised by the effects of water.
Although the costs may seem overwhelming, this will be the best financial choice you make when you notice the signs that you need to call a professional such as Bill’s Custom Concrete. Many homeowners ask, is foundation repair expensive? The answer depends on the extent of the damage, but investing in timely foundation repairs can save you much more in the long term!
