Foundation Repair Cost Calculator
Estimate Your Foundation Repair Costs
Get a personalized cost range based on your home's specific conditions. All estimates are for Halifax, Nova Scotia (2025 rates).
Estimated Repair Costs
Deep underpinning is the most expensive option ($20,000-$45,000) and typically required for severe settlement and unstable soils. This method involves drilling deep shafts and installing reinforced concrete supports.
When a house starts to settle or develop cracks, the first question homeowners ask is, "how much will it cost to fix it?" While many repair options sit in the low‑to‑mid‑four‑figure range, a few methods can push the bill well into five figures. Understanding which repair type tops the price chart helps you budget wisely and avoid unpleasant surprises.
What Is Foundation Repair?
Foundation repair is a set of techniques used to stabilize, strengthen, or replace a building’s structural base when it has been compromised by settlement, soil movement, or moisture intrusion. Professionals assess the cause, design a solution, and then execute the chosen method to restore the building’s integrity.
Key Factors That Drive Repair Costs
- Severity of damage: Minor settlement may need a few piers, while severe sinking can require deep underpinning.
- Soil conditions: Clay, expansive soils, or poor load‑bearing capacity often demand more elaborate solutions.
- Access and site constraints: Tight crawl spaces, landscaping, or utility lines add labor time and equipment rental.
- Local labor rates: Halifax rates in 2025 average $120‑$150 per hour for qualified technicians.
- Permitting and engineering: Complex jobs usually need a structural engineer sign‑off, which adds design fees ($1,200‑$2,500).
Common Foundation Repair Methods and Their Price Ranges (2025)
Below is a snapshot of the most frequently used techniques, their typical cost brackets, and what makes them cheap or pricey.
| Method | Typical Cost | When It’s Used | Key Cost Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Push piers | $5,000 - $12,000 | Shallow settlement, moderate soil movement | Number of piers, access difficulty |
| Helical piers | $8,000 - $18,000 | Sites with rock layers, limited excavation space | Helix size, depth needed, equipment rental |
| Slabjacking (polyurethane foam) | $3,000 - $7,500 | Concrete slab lift, minor sinkage | Volume of material, number of lift points |
| Carbon fiber reinforcement | $4,500 - $9,000 | Crack stitching, wall bowing mitigation | Fiber quantity, epoxy costs, labor skill |
| Grouting (soil stabilization) | $6,000 - $13,000 | Loose or void‑filled soils, expansive clay | Quantity of grout, depth of injection |
| Deep underpinning (drilled shafts/piles) | $20,000 - $45,000 | Severe settlement, poor load‑bearing capacity, multi‑story structures | Drilling depth, pile diameter, concrete volume, engineering fees |
Why Deep Underpinning Is the Most Expensive Option
Deep underpinning, also called drilled shaft underpinning, involves boring large‑diameter holes down to competent load‑bearing strata, filling them with reinforced concrete, and then transferring the building’s load onto these new supports. Several factors push its price to the top:
- Depth and diameter: Each shaft can be 3-30 feet deep and 12-24 inches wide. The deeper the shaft, the more concrete, rebar, and labor required.
- Specialized equipment: Rotary drilling rigs, concrete pumps, and sometimes crane services are necessary, and rental rates for a day can exceed $2,000.
- Engineering design: A licensed structural engineer must calculate load distribution, draft detailed drawings, and obtain permits.
- Site preparation: Excavation around the foundation, temporary shoring, and post‑install monitoring add hours and materials.
- Risk mitigation: Working near existing foundations demands meticulous quality control, which translates to higher labor rates.
For reference, a typical single‑family home in Halifax with moderate settlement might need 8-12 shafts, pushing the total bill well above $30,000 once all fees are tallied.
When It Makes Sense to Choose the Costliest Method
Even though deep underpinning is pricey, it’s the only viable solution in certain scenarios:
- The existing foundation sits on highly compressible or liquefied soils that cannot support piers.
- The building is a multi‑story or has a large footprint, requiring uniform load transfer.
- Previous repair attempts with piers or slabjacking have failed, indicating a deeper structural issue.
- Future expansion or heavy equipment loading is planned, demanding a robust foundation.
If any of these conditions apply, skimping on repair could lead to recurring damage and higher long‑term costs.
Cost‑Saving Tips for High‑Ticket Repairs
- Get multiple quotes: Even for deep underpinning, compare at least three reputable contractors. Look for transparent breakdowns.
- Ask about phased implementation: Some companies can start with the most critical supports and add more later as budget permits.
- Verify licensing and insurance: Cutting corners on credentials can cost more in liability down the road.
- Consider financing options: Many contractors partner with local banks to offer low‑interest loans for major foundation work.
- Maintain good drainage: Proper gutters, downspouts, and grading reduce future settlement risk, protecting your investment.
Quick Checklist Before You Hire a Contractor
- Confirm the contractor’s structural engineer is licensed in Nova Scotia.
- Request a detailed scope that lists each shaft, its depth, diameter, and concrete volume.
- Ask for a timeline that includes site prep, drilling, curing, and post‑install monitoring.
- Verify that all permits are obtained before work begins.
- Check references from homes with similar soil conditions and repair methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes foundations to need expensive repairs?
The biggest culprits are expansive clay soils that swell and shrink, poor compaction during original construction, and water infiltration that erodes bearing capacity. When these forces are strong enough to push a building beyond the reach of simple piers, deep underpinning becomes necessary.
How long does a deep underpinning project usually take?
For a typical single‑family house, expect 2-3 weeks for drilling and installation, plus an additional 7-10 days for concrete curing and final inspection.
Can I finance foundation repair?
Yes. Many local banks and credit unions offer home improvement loans or lines of credit with rates as low as 4.5 % for qualified borrowers. Some contractors also provide in‑house financing.
Is deep underpinning covered by homeowner’s insurance?
Only if the damage is caused by a sudden covered event (e.g., burst pipe). Gradual settlement due to soil conditions is typically excluded, so the cost is out‑of‑pocket.
How do I know which repair method is right for my home?
Start with a professional foundation assessment. The engineer will measure settlement, test soil bearing capacity, and recommend the least invasive method that meets safety standards. That report guides the contractor’s quote.
Bottom line: If you’re facing severe foundation movement, expect deep underpinning - the most expensive foundation repair method - to be the safest, longest‑lasting solution. Armed with the cost breakdowns and checklist above, you can plan a realistic budget and pick a qualified team that gets the job done right.
