Key takeaways
- Short answer: Usually not.
- Settling and soil movement: excluded
- Sudden covered water leaks: sometimes covered
- Earthquakes need separate coverage
- Typical foundation repair cost: $2,176–$7,833 per typical project.
When it might be covered
- A sudden plumbing leak under the slab (check your policy's wording)
- A vehicle hitting the house
- A tree falling on the structure
When it usually isn't
- Normal settling and cracking
- Expansive clay soil movement
- Poor drainage or maintenance
- Earthquakes (without an earthquake policy)
- Floods (without flood insurance)
Related questions
Are slab leaks covered by insurance?
Many policies cover access and resulting water damage from a sudden slab leak, but not the foundation repair itself. Read your policy.
Do home warranties cover foundations?
Rarely. Most home warranties exclude structural components.
How can I pay for foundation repair?
Many foundation companies offer financing; home equity loans and lines of credit are other options.
Other foundation repair questions homeowners ask
Does homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
Usually not for settling, soil movement or wear. Coverage typically applies only when a covered event, such as a sudden plumbing leak, causes the damage.
How much does foundation repair cost?
A typical foundation repair costs about $2,176–$7,833. Piers usually cost $1,000–$3,000 each, so the number of piers drives the total.
How much does a structural engineer foundation inspection cost?
Engineer evaluations commonly cost several hundred dollars. It is worth paying for an independent opinion before hiring a repair company.
Is foundation repair permanent?
Piers driven to stable soil or bedrock are designed to last the life of the house, but steady soil moisture and good drainage keep the rest of the slab from moving.
Should I buy a house that had foundation repair?
It can be fine if the work was engineer-specified, permitted and comes with a transferable lifetime warranty. Ask for the paperwork.
Are hairline cracks in a slab foundation normal?
Yes. Thin shrinkage cracks under about 1/8 inch are common in concrete. Wider cracks, cracks that grow or cracks with height differences need an evaluation.
How many piers does a house need?
It depends on how much of the house has moved. A corner might need only a few piers, while a whole side can need 10 or more. An engineer should set the plan.
How do I protect my foundation during a drought?
Keep soil moisture steady with a soaker hose a foot or so from the slab, maintain gutters and grading, and keep thirsty trees away from the foundation.
Foundation Repair at a glance
Timeline
Pier installation usually takes 1–3 days. Wall stabilization and waterproofing take 1–5 days.
Permits
Structural foundation repair often needs a permit and an engineer's letter, especially for resale.
DIY or pro?
Grading, gutters and steady soil moisture are DIY prevention. Structural repair needs a licensed contractor and, ideally, an independent engineer.
What foundation repair costs
Foundation repair averages about $5,001, with most projects costing $2,176–$7,833. Simple crack repairs cost a few hundred dollars, while pier systems that lift and stabilize a home cost $1,000–$3,000 per pier.