Cost of Underpinning Foundation

If you own a house and are looking to increase its value, the cost of underpinning foundation is an important decision that needs to be made. This type of project is typically more costly than other types of home improvement projects, such as adding a new bedroom or bathroom.

There are several reasons that your home might need underpinning, and each has its own costs associated with it. This is why it’s so important to get an accurate estimate of your costs before you begin any construction work on your home.

The main factors that will impact the cost of your underpinning project are the type of foundation you have, its condition and the number of piers required. Once you have all these details figured out, it’s time to start putting together your budget.

Soil Changes

Shifting soil, tree roots, concrete deterioration, seismic tremors, and poor drainage can cause your foundation to shift over time. This can be especially common in older homes. Getting the problem corrected as soon as possible is the best way to avoid expensive repairs down the road.

Sewage Leaks

Plumbing leaks can also make a house’s foundation weaker. Having your sewer and drainage pipes replaced is the most effective way to fix this issue, but it’s not always possible or affordable.

Soil Drainage

If your foundation has poor soil drainage, it will need to be re-leveled in order to properly drain water away from your home. This can be a costly process that requires an excavation and re-routing of drainage pipes.

Wall Anchors

If the walls of your basement are bowing or shifting, they may need to be reinforced. This is a complex process that requires the installation of metal anchor plates at key points around your foundation. The plates are then attached to a series of steel connecting rods, which are routinely tightened over the course of the next few years until the basement walls are back to their original, straight alignment.

Depending on the amount of damage, re-leveling can cost between $3,500 and $6,500 for a single corner or $10,000 to $20,000 for more extensive damage.

The cost of your underpinning project will be affected by the number of piers you need and the depth required for stability. The cost of helical piers can be significantly higher than other underpinning methods, so it’s a good idea to compare prices before making any decisions.

Soil Reports

Having a geotechnical engineer complete a soil report is a great idea before any construction work is done on your property. This will help determine the causes of the shifting and settling in the soil beneath your home, as well as how to fix them.

A good underpinning company will be able to complete these reports for you, and it’s likely that they’ll have some insight into the best approach to solving your problem. They’ll also be able to give you an idea of the cost of underpinning and how long it will take to complete.

Precise Restumping & Underpinning successfully maintains a reputation for delivering quality, reliable and sound services to clients all over New South Wales, with a licensed builder that personally oversee all works.