- What Is House Leveling?
- Common Causes of Foundation Settlement
- How to Tell That You Need to Repair Your Foundation
- What Are Some of the Factors That Affect the House Leveling Cost for Pier and Beam Foundations?
- How to Get an Accurate Cost Estimate
- Leave It to the Foundation Repair Contractors That Care
- Frequently Asked Questions
Being a homeowner comes with its fair share of struggles, and if you’ve noticed structural issues with your pier and beam foundation, you probably already know what we’re talking about. The average cost for house leveling is $3 to $25 per square foot.
However, the price you pay will depend on various factors, such as maintenance practices, the extent of the damage, and the area you live in. In this article, we’ll look at these factors in greater detail and provide more tips and tricks to help you accurately estimate pier and beam foundation repair costs.
Suppose you’re looking for a fast estimate. In that case, you can turn to Quality Foundation Repair Austin for expert advice and accurate cost estimates.
What Is House Leveling?
House or foundation leveling are terms used to repair a settling foundation to ensure it is properly aligned. The foundation is the most critical structure in any home, and various issues, such as poor construction or natural disasters, can cause it to lose its structural integrity.
This can present several challenges and dangers, which is why prompt care is needed. Foundation repairs involve lifting and supporting the affected areas to strengthen the structure.
Common Causes of Foundation Settlement
The truth is that a settling foundation can present a scary and often dangerous home environment, which is why it’s essential to address the issue as quickly as possible to prevent injuries and avoid costly repairs. Here are some of the most common reasons why it occurs:
- Soil erosion
- Poor construction
- Pockets created by tree roots
- Soil creep
- Failing to compact soil correctly when building the foundation
- Natural disasters
- Soil that swells and shrinks
How to Tell That You Need to Repair Your Foundation
House leveling is required when the foundation of your home begins to sink. Although it may not always be apparent that you require foundation leveling, there are a few signs that you can look out for.
Cracks in Your Drywall
When your foundation becomes uneven because of sinking, drywall cracking is one of the tell-tale signs. Typically, these cracks will run diagonally from the corners of windows and doors across the wall.
Cracked Flooring
Cracks in your hardwood, tile, or concrete floors can be caused by settling. This can cause your furniture to be uneven and present tripping hazards.
Doors and Windows Are Hard to Open and Close
If you notice that your doors and windows are sticking, it could be a sign of foundation settlement. As your home’s foundation becomes uneven, it can cause your window and door frames to be misaligned.
Foundation Cracks
Cracks in your foundation can be either structural or non-structural. The former is caused by poor installation, aging, and more, while the latter could be caused by stress on the foundation.
Separation
Another tell-tale sign that you have a severe problem with your foundation is separation. This occurs when walls, ceilings, doors, and floors start to come apart.
What Are Some of the Factors That Affect the House Leveling Cost for Pier and Beam Foundations?
To ensure you know what to expect, it’s important to note the various factors that come into play when determining house leveling costs.
Maintenance Practices
The care taken to maintain the property will also affect the overall cost of house leveling. The sad truth is that many homeowners don’t maintain their crawlspaces regularly. In some cases, they may have a more restricted crawl space, making regular maintenance difficult. As a result, they have to pay more to repair their pier and beam foundation.
Periodic maintenance entails basic seaming, modifications, and the reinforcement of your home’s positioning where it has become loose or somewhat underlain. You can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $2,000 to maintain your foundation.
The Type of Foundation Repair Required
The cost of house leveling will inevitably depend on the extent and nature of the damage. Unsurprisingly, minor repairs will be more affordable than significant repairs. Let’s look at prices for the repair work often involved with house leveling.
Minor Repairs
If you catch the issue early, you can address it with minor repairs. Sometimes joists or beams can move, which can lead to problems with the foundation. Reshimming is often needed, costing anywhere from $1,200 to $7,500.
Fixing or Replacing Piers
The piers in your concrete foundation can become worn over time. You will likely have to pay between $2,000 and $4,000 to fix or replace them.
Replacing Damaged Beams
Like piers, beams also degrade over time, and if you need to fix or replace them, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000.
Underpinning
Suppose the damage is more extensive, or the crawl space needs to be adjusted. In that case, you will likely require underpinning services. This process involves using hydraulic jack lifts to level the house foundation, costing between $12,000 and $52,500.
Because the repair work needed will depend on the type and cause of the damage, it’s best to contact us for a quote to learn more about the cost of completing your project.
Material Costs
Since it will take additional materials to fix foundation damage, the cost to purchase these supplies will inevitably affect the overall foundation leveling cost.
Which Foundation Repair Contractor You Choose
Another factor that affects house leveling costs is labor. Repairing pier and beam foundations on your own is never a good idea.
A foundation forms the base of a home. If you attempt a repair without the proper knowledge and experience, you risk poor workmanship and structural integrity and put yourself at risk. That’s because foundation leveling can present several dangers if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Fortunately, a concrete repair contractor will know exactly what to do and can help you fix that damaged concrete slab or install additional piers without causing any incidents or damage to surrounding structures.
While hiring a service provider is important, you must ensure that the one you choose is properly vetted. Never select a contractor based on price alone; you could have more costly repairs.
How to Get an Accurate Cost Estimate
Trying to work out the cost of fixing your foundation on your own is often futile. So many factors come into play, so it’s essential to obtain professional insight when determining the house leveling cost.
You can contact Quality Foundation Repair Austin for a fast, accurate estimate. We will come to the site to assess the size and scope of the project and help you find a way forward.
Leave It to the Foundation Repair Contractors That Care
An uneven foundation can keep you up at night. After all, it supports the rest of your home, so addressing any problems with your foundation is paramount. At Quality Foundation Repair Austin, we are committed to helping you level your home in the most cost-effective way possible.
Before recommending one, we will explore all possible options to ensure that you get the best long-term value and that you and your family are always safe.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or request an accurate, no-fuss quote!