Home foundations can come in different styles depending upon your locale, so if you’re in need of a new foundation, consider the needs of your home. A new foundation can be expensive depending on the scope of the project. On average, a concrete foundation costs around $8,500. On the low-end, a foundation can cost around $6,000 and on the high end, a foundation will run close to $15,000. Total costs will vary depending upon permits, labor and the type of foundation.
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Concrete Foundation Cost Estimator
Material | Lowest Cost | |
---|---|---|
Average Cost | $8,500 | |
Highest Cost | $15,000 | |
Lowest Cost | $6,000* | |
*Costs vary on size and type of foundation |
Average Concrete Foundation Cost
With six different types of home foundations possible, cost estimates vary by design. Estimates are based on a 2,000-square foot house.
- Monolithic Concrete Slab: $13,000
- Stem Wall Concrete Slab: $14,000 (requires more labor, excavation and material)
- Pier and Beam/Crawl Space: $21,000 Pier and beam foundations are uncommon and piers cost about $1,000 each, beams run between $1,000 to $5,000 as well. Plus, if you’re repairing a pier and beam foundation, you’ll need to lift the home, which can run around $1,500. A typical home needs between eight to 10 piers. Crawl spaces also require sealing and waterproofing.
- Cinder Block Foundation: $16,000
- Basement: $40,000 and up, depending on if it’s a finished basement
Types of Foundations and Pros/Cons
Monolithic Concrete Slab
Monolithic concrete slab foundations are better known as slab-on-grade because they rest directly on the ground and typically get poured all at once. They’re usually cheaper to install and will last a long time. A con of a slab-on-grade foundation is that sewer and drainage pipes get installed before the foundation is poured, so should you have any plumbing problems, you’ll need to cut into the slab to fix it.
Stem Wall Concrete Slab
Stem wall slabs have a footer poured first and then blocks are laid to form a wall up to the finished slab elevation. It’s considered more stable but takes longer to construct.
Pier and Beam Foundation/Crawl Space Foundation
Pier and beam foundations are typically found with older homes and elevate the home, which makes it less prone to flooding. But since it’s elevated, pests and critters can gain entry to the crawl space. They can cause damage to the beams over time.
A pier and beam foundation provides less support for floors than a concrete slab and they can suffer from water damage. They are also not as energy efficient as other foundations because warm and cold air can seep into the home.
Cinder Block Foundation
Cinder block foundations aren’t as popular as poured concrete block walls. Cinder block foundations do have advantages, like being able to hold more weight on top of the foundation. It does require more money in labor costs. On the negative side, they can be more susceptible to bowing and buckling.
Basement Foundation
A basement foundation secures a house a floor below the ground. It can be unfinished or finished to add living space. Basement foundations tend to suffer from moisture problems and sometimes mold. A sump pump can help address moisture issues.
Foundation Cost Per Square Foot
Cement Foundation Cost
- Cinder Block: $9 to $12
- Crawl Space: $13
- Pier and Beam: $9 (Piers and beams will add to the cost)
Slab Foundation Cost
- Monolithic Concrete Slab: $5
- Stem Wall Concrete Slab: $6
Basement Foundation Cost
Adding a basement foundation comes with a significant cost and it can escalate should you choose to finish the basement. But a finished basement can increase living space and increase your home’s value so you’ll have to weigh the cost vs. reward.
Per Square Foot
An unfinished basement typically costs between $10 to $25 per square foot while that cost increases to $30 to $100 per square foot for a finished basement. A walkout basement will cost closer to $100 per square foot.
Foundation Installation Cost
Concrete costs between $4.25 and $6.25 per square foot and the average size of a house is about 2,000 square feet. That can mean between $8,500 and $12,500 for concrete alone. Labor typically costs around $2.60 per square foot, which is about $5,200 for a 2,000-square foot house.
A pier and beam foundation can cost more because of the cost of the beams (around $1,000 to $5,000) and piers (you’ll need around eight to 10). Additional costs include:
- Excavation: $500 to $9,000
- Soil quality testing: $500 to $2,000
- Tree removal: $500 to $2,000
- Building permits: $500 to $2,000
- Form and finishing: $1,000 to $5,000
- Reinforcement: $150 to $750
- Sealing: $600 to $6,000
- Inspections: $80 to $300
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Additional Cost Considerations
Many factors go into the estimate for your foundation, but it’s essential to be aware of any additional costs you may encounter before you proceed.
Foundation Inspections
Foundation inspections occur before you pour concrete and after the work is done to help to verify that the new foundation meets all code requirements and will support the weight of your home. They cost about$145 an hour, with most homeowners spending$150 to $1,300in total.
Foundation Insulation
To allow for proper airflow, prevent moisture or keep critters out, many homeowners will opt to add foundation insulation like skirting and vents around the crawl space or pier and beam foundation. Some will even add spray foam, foam board, or batts between or across the bottom of the joists to add more insulation under the floor. On average, foundation installation costs about$2,000.
Radiant Heat
Radiant heat is when all pipes need to be laid under the foundation, and the concrete is poured over them. Therefore, radiant heat needs to be completed when the foundation is installed. On average, radiant heat adds$3 per square foot, with most homeowners paying$4,800 to $10,000.
Foundation Replacement Cost
If you start to notice cracks along your foundation or suspect some sagging, you’ll likely want an engineer to come out for a structural report. The report typically costs around $500 and will pinpoint your foundation issues.
Foundation replacements can add up quickly, so expect to pay around $20,000 to $100,000 depending upon the scope of the project. If your home needs to be raised for foundation replacement, you will likely pay between $24,500 to $115,000 to raise and replace the foundation. Raising the house will run between $3,000 and $9,000 alone, then excavation can cost between $1,500 to $6,000.
DIY vs. Hire A Pro
Constructing a foundation is not a DIY project, though expert DIYers can likely lay down a concrete slab with some help from friends. Since the foundation is the structure that supports your house, the measurements need to be precise and cement placed in the proper position if you live in a climate where you have to pay attention to the frost line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Foundation?
The cost to fix a foundation depends on the type of repair needed and can range between$2,000 and $7,000. A repair like fixing a concrete slab leak can cost anywhere between$2,300and$4,500.
How Much Should I Budget for a Foundation?
Foundations vary in design and materials, so costs vary greatly. An average home is about 2,000 square feet and a foundation can cost from $13,000 (including materials, labor and permitting) to more than $40,000 if it’s a basement foundation. For a project on the low end, budget around $15,000 in case of cost overruns and around $45,000 for a project on the higher end.
How Much Does it Cost to Fill in a Crawl Space?
Some homeowners might want to pour concrete to fill a crawl space for energy savings but some experts think waterproofing and sealing a crawl space is the more effective method. Filling a crawl space with concrete will typically cost $5 to $10 per square foot, including finishing work.
How Long Do Poured Concrete Foundations Last?
Slab-on-grade concrete foundations will typically last 80 to 100 years. Wood used in other foundation forms will need to be termite-proofed every 12 years and waterproofing should last 10 years. Concrete needs to be waterproofed and sealed when it’s installed to make it last long.
How Deep Do Concrete Foundations Need to Be?
Footing depths vary on frost lines and soil strength but the minimum depth is 5 feet for a small residential building. Depths are typically 1 ½ times the width of a footing. Footings should extend at least 12 inches below the frost line.
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FAQs
What is the most cost effective foundation? ›
Concrete Slab Costs
The Concrete Slab is considered to be one if not the cheapest type of foundation there is. The concrete slab base averages the majority of homeowners between $4,500 and $21,000. Monolithic Slab: $4,500 – $12,000. Concrete is poured all at once to create the main slab and the shallow base.
Price: Generally, slab foundations are your cheapest option when it comes to foundations, an excellent choice if budget is front-of-mind. Low Maintenance: Of all foundation-types, slabs require the least amount of maintenance, adding to their pricing value.
How much does foundation cost in UK? ›Typically, a builder or groundworker charges £120-£150 per metre for a foundation of at least 1m deep and 0.6m wide.
How much foundation is enough? ›How many layers of foundation do you put on? The number of layers depends on the amount of coverage you want. Generally, one to two layers are good enough to cover any blemishes and give your skin a smooth finish. It is always a good idea to take a minute or two in between layers to check if you need more coverage.
How do you pour your own foundation? ›To pour a concrete foundation, start by digging a hole that's 2 feet wider than the planned foundation. Next, place reinforcement steel at the bottom of the foundation, and pour 18 inches of concrete on top. Then, use wooden boards to frame the perimeter of the foundation and pour in concrete to create the walls.
What are the 4 types of foundation? ›- Basement Foundation. ...
- Crawlspace Stem Walls. ...
- Concrete Slab Foundations. ...
- Wood Foundations. ...
- Pier and Beam Foundations.
- Best Overall - Maybelline New York Super Stay 24H Full Coverage Liquid Foundation. ...
- Best Budget - Lakmé 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse Foundation. ...
- Best to use in summer - Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin. ...
- Best Natural Finish Foundation - L.
Depth of Footings
Footings should extend to a minimum depth of 12 inches below previously undisturbed soil. Footings also must extend at least 12 inches below the frost line (the depth to which the ground freezes in winter) or must be frost-protected.
The Council on Foundations defines a foundation as an entity that supports charitable activities by making grants to unrelated organizations or institutions or to individuals for scientific, educational, cultural, religious, or other charitable purposes.
How many types of foundation are there? ›The two major types of foundations are shallow foundations and deep foundations. Just as the models sound, they are measured by their depth in the soil and the load they can carry.
How long is a foundation course? ›
They usually take two years full-time to complete, or longer for part-time students. Normally you can continue for a further year to gain a full honours degree, which is useful if you decide to go for a full degree after all.
Do universities accept foundation year? ›Typically, a foundation year leads straight on to degree study with the same university. However, it is usually possible to transfer to a different uni once you have completed your foundation year. To do this, you would need to re-apply to your new university of choice via UCAS.
What level is a foundation year? ›A foundation degree is a Level 5 qualification, according to the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). It's the equivalent of two thirds of an honours bachelor's degree, a Higher National Diploma (HND), and a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE).
How many foundations do you need? ›"Having two shades lets you mix and match throughout the year so you have a shade when you're at your palest and when you're at your most tan," she says. And, since your undertone doesn't change, those two shades should get you through every season.
Can my foundation support a second story? ›Can your foundation support a second story addition? The only way to know if it can or what's needed to “beef it up” is to hire an engineer to assess your home's current foundation and determine what structural reinforcements will be needed to support all that extra weight.
Can you use foundation only? ›Wearing foundation alone is quick and easy – You don't need to spend a lot of time applying different products to your face. It's a great way to even out your skin tone – If you have uneven skin, applying foundation alone is a great way to create a smooth and even complexion.
Can you poor your own foundation? ›We don't suggest pouring your own foundation. It's expensive, time consuming and can be dangerous for DIYers. This is one project that you should hire a professional to do. While it takes a crew of skilled professionals to build a foundation, the process is fascinating.
How long does it take to dig and pour a foundation? ›These could take anywhere from 2-4 weeks depending on whether you are pouring a basic slab or full basement. The concrete is ready for pouring once the footings are secured.
Should foundations be poured in one go? ›The foundation should be continuous (unite) at each change in level. Formwork fitted into the trench sides at the correct position to form the step will allow the concrete to be poured in one go.
Why is a foundation important? ›Its primary purpose is to support the load of the entire building. A well-designed and strong foundation keeps the building standing while the forces of nature wreak havoc. Well-built foundations keep the occupants of the building safe during calamities such as an earthquake, floods, strong winds etc.
What is the purpose of foundation? ›
Its primary purpose is to hold your house up. Without it, your house would quickly sink into the ground unevenly, resulting in cracks and damage to your home. A properly built foundation will keep the home even and supported, even during a flood or earthquake.
How do I know my foundation type? ›The topography, geology, and pedology (the study of soil) on your construction site in addition to the size of your building and other factors, like the type of construction, will determine the type of foundation that is appropriate for your building.
Is it better to have a lighter or darker foundation? ›As per beauty experts, your foundation must be one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. This is because when you use bronzer or contour then the foundation will blend it all together and give the perfect look to your face.
How do I make my foundation look like my skin? ›Bhatty likes to use moisturizer to make her own bespoke foundation—the moisturizer essentially thins out the foundation formula to get the most natural coverage. "The best way to do this is to add a drop or two of your foundation to your moisturizer," she says.
What foundation do most makeup artists use? ›- Pat McGrath Labs. ...
- It Cosmetics. ...
- Shiseido. ...
- Giorgio Armani. ...
- Fenty Beauty. Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation. ...
- Maybelline. Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation Makeup. ...
- Physicians Formula. The Healthy Foundation With SPF 20. ...
- Neutrogena. Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup Foundation.
Fenty Beauty:
Celebrity makeup artists Ojas Rajani has clients like Aishwarya Rai, Sonam Kapoor and late Sridevi's favourite foundation is Rihanna's Fenty Beauty foundation.
For lip products, eyeliners, lashes, mascara, skincare, makeup wipes, blush, maybe even contour and highlight products, you could use cheaper brands perfectly fine, just make sure you've tested them on yourself will do.
Which foundation is best for natural look? ›- Best Overall: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF40 Foundation.
- Best Weightless: Basma The Foundation Stick.
- Best Satin Finish: Kosas Tinted Face Oil Foundation.
- Best Hydrating: Sephora Collection Best Skin Ever Liquid Foundation.
- Best for Blurring: Milk Makeup Blur Liquid Matte Foundation.
Hi. You would need to dig a test hole to see how deep they are, you would need a minimum of 1m to do what you are planning. Assumptions are not acceptable to building control, they need solid evidence in the form of concrete!!!
How thick should a building foundation be? ›For masonry or concrete construction, the minimum foundation wall will be 6 inches. The minimum reinforced concrete footing thickness will be 6 inches or 1-1/2 times the length of the footing projection from the foundation wall, whichever is greater. REQUIREMENTS.
How thick is a foundation? ›
As a practical consideration, residential designers need to keep in mind that concrete foundation walls are typically 6, 8 or 10 inches thick (nominal). The typical concrete compressive strength used in residential construction is 2,500 or 3,000 psi, although other strengths are available.
What are the 3 purposes of foundation? ›Foundation Functions
The three most important are to bear the load of the building, anchor it against natural forces such as earthquakes, and to isolate it from ground moisture. The relative importance of these functions changes with the type of land underneath the building and the building design.
Foundations are also called endowments, trusts, funds, charities, institutions and libraries, as reflected by the following examples: Lilly Endowment, New York Community Trust, and Pew Charitable Trusts. Organizations with these names function like foundations.
How are foundations made? ›Although foundations have been made from a number of materials — stone, block and even treated wood — reinforced concrete is used in the vast majority of new homes. The contractor erects wooden forms, installs steel reinforcing bars (“rebar”) between the form faces, then fills the forms with poured concrete.
What is the most common foundation? ›The most common type of foundation is a slab foundation. It is also one of the most budget-friendly and straightforward to build. As the name suggests, it is a foundation of slab concrete that is around 6 to 8 inches thick. The concrete is poured into a gravel mixture in the soil's surface.
What is foundation system? ›Foundation is a Structural supporting member which transfer loads from the Building's walls or Columns to the Earth. The loads from Slab, Beam, Column, wall etc. should be safely transferred to the Soil. The Substructure that is provided to transfer loads from the superstructure to the Earth is known as Foundation.
How long do foundations take to build? ›It usually takes around 2 weeks to dig out the footings and prepare the foundations, and then a further 2 weeks to install the damp course and any drains that are needed around the extension.
How deep should strip foundations be? ›Deep Strip foundations are the least expensive and are used when ground conditions are good. A concrete strip, sometimes reinforced with steel mesh, supports the walls. The trench depth is variable but in most cases should be at least 1m with a width of 600mm. The concrete should have a minimum depth of 225mm.
How do you price concrete footings? ›Concrete Footing Cost
Concrete footings cost $1.50 to $24 per linear foot, averaging $5 per linear foot. Prices run $3 to $7 per square foot, depending on the project size and foundation type. An average house with dimensions measuring 150 linear feet ranges from $225 to $3,600.
They are relatively inexpensive in terms of construction and materials, and they are well-understood by both construction professionals and manual labour personnel. Construction of strip foundations is quick and straightforward, with only the simplest of formwork structures and reinforcement installation required.
What is the best material for a foundation? ›
Concrete is the best material for foundation among all other materials used for foundation because it is hard, durable, and strong in compression. Concrete does not affect by moisture and can be made nearly watertight for basement walls.
How long does foundation last? ›With the exception of powder formulas, foundations are water-based, which means bacteria love them. Unopened, foundation can last for a couple of years, but once the seal is broken, Hammer says, it's best to replace it after six to 12 months.
What are the 4 types of foundation? ›- Basement Foundation. ...
- Crawlspace Stem Walls. ...
- Concrete Slab Foundations. ...
- Wood Foundations. ...
- Pier and Beam Foundations.
A typical foundation wall minimum thickness of eight inches applies to walls eight feet or less with no more than seven feet of soil pressing against it. Foundation walls taller than eight feet with more than seven feet of soil pressing against it requires a larger foundation wall 10 to 12 inches in width.
Do not build houses on which soil? ›Don't build houses on soft soils. (
The soils that are soft are unstable and incapable of holding themselves together.
Still, we recommend that the depth of the footing extends to a minimum of 12 inches after you've hit undisturbed soil. It also must extend at least 12 inches below the frost line (the depth to which the ground freezes in winter).
How much does it cost to pour a 1000 sq ft foundation? ›The national average cost to build a house foundation ranges from $7,000 to $18,000, with most homeowners paying around $9,502 for a 1,000 sq. ft.
How much does it cost to frame a 2000 sq ft house? ›The average cost for framing a 2,000-square-foot home will range from $14,000 – $32,000. If you add sheathing to the frame it will cost you an additional $4,000 – $16,000. The cost to frame a house fluctuates depending on the materials used, add-ons and the size and complexity of your project.
Why are concrete prices so high? ›Concrete is expensive because the tools and equipment used to pour, mix, and spread it are expensive.
When should I use pad foundation? ›Pad foundations are one of the most common and economic foundation systems when loads from superstructure are relatively low. The size of the pad depends on the safe bearing capacity of the soil and the load from the structure.
What is the disadvantage of foundation? ›
In fact, without the use of hefty special equipment concrete can only be used at a shallow depth. This leads to corrosion and soil compaction in the surrounding area, which is harmful neighbouring plants and buildings. When concrete is not prepared properly, it can crack and will increase your home improvement costs.
What is Step foundation? ›Where the natural surface of the ground is sloped, the most economical solution may be a stepped foundation. In this case, the foundation takes the form of a series of concrete horizontal steps following the slope of the ground.