Why Prices Increase in Foundation Repair

Rising Costs Nationwide are Normal for Most Services

It’s not news that inflation is a regular part of everyday life in the United States. But not every Foundation Repair Company needs to adjust its repair cost drastically.

The Increase in Foundation Repair Prices Around the Nation

Since 2020, the foundation repair industry prices have increased by about 5 to  10%. Certain repairs and services may not require a considerable increase. In North Carolina, prices have gone up approximately 10%. However, what causes the remarkable surge in foundation repair prices across the US?

What’s The Main Cause Of Price Increase?

Inflation is not the only culprit. The national increase in foundation repair prices includes labor and material costs, especially epoxy, concrete, and steel piers. However, due to the economy, some homeowners have held off on the  repairs for the last five years following the pandemic.

The PFA Controversy: Are They the Culprit?

Complex issues found in foundation repair contribute to overall costs. The neglect of homeowners putting off repair of their home’s foundation, especially in homes built before 2020, has resulted in overlooked issues. Soil contamination with PFAs (Perfluoroalkoxy substances) began accumulating from certain synthetic building materials in the 1940s. Some states have recently enacted regulations to limit PFA buildup. However, it is worth noting that a direct link between the presence of PFAs and rising foundation repair prices has not been established. After all, the contribution that PFAs leave behind, compromising the soil, may or may not affect the foundation’s stability.

Factors to Consider With the Rise of Prices

As foundation repair prices increase, it’s important to unpack what drives these costs. Homeowners facing structural issues often experience sticker shock, and for good reason. Several factors contribute to the rise in foundation repair expenses, and many are deeply tied to the fundamentals of construction, soil science, and local regulation. Here are some reasons foundation repair prices can rise.

• • • The type of foundation
    • Severity of Damage
    • Soil Conditions

These core reasons determine some of the price changes in foundation repair. However, the foundation type, damage severity, and soil conditions are constant factors when repairing. As costs rise, homeowners must consider how these changes affect their property investments and finances.

The Type of Foundation Makes a Big Difference

A significant determinant of foundation repair prices is the type of foundation. Homes with slab foundations tend to incur lower repair costs, but repairs may still involve breaking through solid concrete—a labor-intensive task. Crawl spaces, while easier to access, often hide widespread moisture damage. Basement foundations are typically the most expensive to fix due to their depth and the likelihood of water intrusion.

Severity of the Damage

Minor cracks in a foundation might be resolved with simple sealants or epoxy injections. However, if the damage includes significant settling, bowing walls, or large gaps, homeowners could be looking at underpins or partial reconstruction, which involve higher costs.

Soil Conditions: The Hidden Culprit

What lies beneath a home is often more important than what’s above it. Expansive clay soils are notorious for swelling with moisture and shrinking during dry spells, creating constant ground movement that stresses a home’s foundation. Areas with loamy or sandy soils are generally more stable, but regions with inconsistent moisture levels are seeing a spike in foundation issues.

Repair Methods Continue to Evolve

Innovations like piering and slabjacking offer durable solutions but aren’t cheap. Piering involves installing steel or concrete piers deep into the ground to stabilize shifting foundations. Slabjacking lifts sinking slabs by injecting a grout mixture beneath them. Even surface-level crack sealing can require specialized materials and professional labor. Most foundation repair companies have completely upgraded their foundation repair methods, but there are usually less affordable options that aren’t quite as reliable. 

Accessibility Challenges Add to Labor Costs

Tight crawl spaces, heavy landscaping, or homes built on slopes can significantly complicate repair work. When access is limited, costs increase due to additional labor, time, and equipment requirements. Then there are the wages to keep good employees and benefits for them that all come into play. 

The Domino Effect: Secondary Repairs

Foundation problems rarely exist in isolation. Plumbing systems can crack, hardwood floors may buckle, and landscaping might be torn up to access the foundation. These additional repairs can add to the total of the final invoice.

At Atlantic Foundation, we believe staying proactive is key. Early detection of cracks, drainage issues, or shifting floors can save you thousands. Investing in routine inspections, especially in high-risk regions, prevents unwanted costs. If you need more information on home improvement or would like to schedule a free homeowner’s consultation, contact Atlantic Foundation and Crawlspace Repair today!

Sources

• The Value of Foundation Repair for a Home’s Resale Price
• Assistance in blog composition with Chat GPT. (2025). Open AI. https://openai.com/chatgpt
• Assistance in research provided by Google. (2025). Gemini Deep Research. https://gemini.google.com/app