How Much Do Piers for a Foundation Cost?

Installing foundation piers costs between $7,000 and $30,000, with most homeowners paying around $16,000 for a permanent fix. The total price depends on the number of piers required, soil conditions, and the severity of the foundation damage.

Foundation piering, also called underpinning, stabilizes sinking foundations by driving deep supports into the ground. Unlike temporary fixes like mudjacking, piers provide long-term stability, preventing further shifting due to soil expansion, erosion, or poor construction.

If your home has foundation cracks, uneven floors, or doors that won’t close properly, piering may be the best solution. In this guide, we’ll break down costs, factors that affect pricing, and financing options so you can make an informed decision.

How Much Does it Cost to Install Piers for a Foundation?

Installing foundation piers typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000 per pier, with most homeowners needing 7 to 10 piers. This brings the total cost to $7,000–$30,000, with an average around $16,000.

Foundation Repair Cost by Pier Type

Factors Influencing Foundation Pier Cost

Several factors influence your total cost for foundation piers. Here’s what you need to consider:

1. Type of Foundation

• Slab foundations: Typically cost the least since piers can be installed through small drilled holes or excavated at ground level.
• Crawlspaces & Pier-and-Beam Foundations: More expensive due to additional excavation requirements.
• Basements: Usually the most expensive because of deep excavation and complex access issues.

2. Prep Work & Access Challenges

Installing piers requires excavation, and difficult access can increase labor costs. Factors that raise prices include:

• Tight crawlspaces or basements that require hand-digging
• Obstructions like decks, patios, or landscaping that need removal
• Hard-to-reach areas requiring specialized equipment

3. Drainage & Waterproofing

If poor drainage caused your foundation issues, your contractor may recommend additional solutions to prevent future damage, such as:

• Installing French drains ($2,000–$6,000)
• Adding gutters and downspouts ($1,000–$2,500)
• Applying waterproof coatings or sealants ($500–$3,000)

These add to your overall cost but help protect your investment long-term.

4. Structural & Engineering Costs

• Severe foundation damage may require a structural engineer’s inspection ($750–$1,500).
• Some projects need soil testing or geotechnical reports, adding $1,000+ to costs.

5. Hidden Obstructions

• Tree roots, utility lines, or underground debris can delay work and increase labor costs.
• Additional excavation or rerouting utilities may add $500–$5,000, depending on complexity.

6. Permits & Local Regulations

• Some cities require permits for excavation and foundation repairs.
• Costs range from $25 to several hundred dollars, depending on local codes.

7. Seismic and Climate Considerations

• If you live in an earthquake-prone area, additional reinforcement may be required.
• Severe weather zones may need stronger piers to resist soil shifts, increasing costs.

How Do Piering Costs Compare to Slabjacking Costs?

Piering and slabjacking are both used to lift and stabilize foundations, but they serve different purposes and come with different price points.

Which Option Is Best for You?

• Choose piering if your foundation is sinking, has structural cracks, or needs a long-term fix.
• Choose slabjacking if you need a quick, budget-friendly solution for smaller, non-structural issues.

What Are the Best Ways to Finance a Foundation Piers Repair Job?

Foundation repairs can be expensive, but several financing options can help spread out the cost. Here’s what to consider:

1. In-House Financing (Best for Quick Approval)

Many foundation repair companies offer payment plans with little to no money down. This is often the fastest option, but interest rates vary, so compare terms before committing.

2. Personal Loans (Best for Fast Cash Without Home Equity)

• Banks, credit unions, and online lenders offer unsecured personal loans for home repairs.
• Interest rates range from 6% to 36%, depending on credit score.
• Loan amounts vary but usually cap at $50,000.

3. Home Equity Loans and HELOCs (Best for Low-Interest, Large Repairs)

• If you have equity in your home, a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) can provide funds at lower interest rates (5%–9%).
• HELOCs work like a credit card, letting you borrow as needed, while home equity loans give a lump sum upfront.

4. Mortgage Refinancing (Best for Long-Term, Large Projects)

• Cash-out refinancing lets you take out a new mortgage for more than you owe and use the difference to fund repairs.
• This is ideal for large foundation jobs but can extend your mortgage term and total interest paid.

5. Credit Cards (Best for Small Repairs, But Risky for Large Jobs)

• Best for small repairs or if you can pay off the balance quickly.
• Some contractors accept credit cards, but this is usually the most expensive financing method due to high-interest rates (15%–30%).

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Foundation Repair?

In most cases, homeowners insurance does NOT cover foundation repairs unless the damage was caused by a sudden, covered event.

When Insurance Covers Foundation Repair:

✅ Natural disasters covered in your policy (for example tornadoes, hurricanes).
✅ Plumbing leaks that cause foundation damage (if your policy includes this coverage).
✅ Fire or explosions that impact the foundation.

When Insurance Won’t Cover It:

❌ Soil movement from expansion/contraction, erosion, or poor drainage.
❌ Settling or sinking over time due to normal wear.
❌ Tree roots causing foundation damage.
❌ Neglected maintenance or improper construction.

How to Check Your Coverage:

If you live in an area prone to earthquakes or floods, consider separate coverage for those risks. Review your policy documents or call your insurance provider.

What Are the Benefits of Piering?

Foundation piering is one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for foundation issues. Here’s why it’s worth the investment:

1. Permanent Solution to Foundation Settling

Unlike temporary fixes like slabjacking, foundation piers provide long-term stability by anchoring your home to deep, stable soil or bedrock. This prevents further sinking or shifting.

2. Works in Most Soil Conditions

• Steel piers reach bedrock, making them ideal for clay-heavy or shifting soils.
• Helical piers work well in sandy or loose soil where other methods fail.
• Concrete piers are great for areas expecting future soil movement.

No matter where you live, there’s a piering solution suited for your foundation type.

3. Increases Home Value & Structural Integrity

• Homes with foundation issues lose value, but proper piering restores stability and can boost resale value.
• Many pier installations come with warranties, offering peace of mind for buyers and homeowners.

4. More Cost-Effective Than Rebuilding

• While upfront costs are high, it’s often cheaper than replacing an entire foundation, which can cost $50,000+.
• Foundation piering prevents further damage, saving you from expensive structural repairs down the road.

What Should You Consider Before Installing Foundation Piers?

Before committing to foundation piering, homeowners should consider these key factors:

1. Foundation Size & Severity of Damage

• Larger homes typically require more piers, increasing costs.
• Severe sinking or structural cracks may need additional reinforcement, such as crossbeams or additional supports.

2. Soil Type & Ground Conditions

• Expansive clay soil is prone to movement and may require deeper steel piers.
• Sandy or loose soil may need helical piers for better stability.
• A soil test may be required before installation, adding $1,000+ to costs.

3. Labor & Accessibility Challenges

• Homes with tight crawlspaces, basements, or landscaping obstructions may require more labor-intensive work, increasing costs.
• Hard-to-reach foundation areas might need specialized excavation equipment, raising labor fees.

4. Permits & Local Regulations

• Some cities require permits for foundation work, costing anywhere from $25 to several hundred dollars.
• If you’re in an earthquake-prone area, additional seismic reinforcements may be required.

5. Timing & Project Duration

• Pier installation can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks, depending on:
  • The number of piers needed.
  • Excavation difficulty and site access.
  • Weather conditions that may delay work.

Why Should You Choose Piering Foundation Repair?

Foundation piering is one of the most reliable, long-term solutions for severe foundation settling. While it has a higher upfront cost, it provides permanent stability, preventing future sinking and structural damage.

Unlike slabjacking or foamjacking, which only lift the surface layer of the foundation and may require repeat treatments, piering anchors your home to stable soil or bedrock, ensuring lasting support.

Another advantage of piering is its versatility—it works in a variety of soil conditions, including expansive clay, sandy soil, and areas with fluctuating moisture levels. This makes it a better option than slabjacking, which is ineffective in regions with significant soil movement.

If you’re dealing with major foundation issues like cracks, uneven floors, or shifting walls, piering is often the best investment for protecting your home’s structure for decades to come.

Key Takeaways: Pier Foundation Cost

Homeowners insurance rarely covers foundation repairs, except for certain natural disasters or sudden damage.

Foundation piering costs range from $7,000 to $30,000, with most homeowners paying around $16,000.

• The number of piers required depends on home size, soil conditions, and damage severity.
• Steel, concrete, helical, and segmented piers offer different solutions based on soil type and budget.
• Foundation piering is a permanent fix, preventing future damage and improving home value.
• Financing options like personal loans, HELOCs, and contractor financing can help manage costs.