Foundation Cost
| Typical Cost | $7,300 |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $4,000–$12,000 |
| Low End | $1,500 |
| High End | $20,000 |
Cost to Build a Foundation
Foundation installation typically costs around $7,300. Average prices can range from about $4,000 to $12,000, while high-end projects can cost upward of $20,000. The total cost of your project will depend on the type of house foundation you choose, the square footage needed and local labor costs.
Laying a foundation is one of the most important parts of building a new home. The strength of your foundation will determine how well your home will hold up to weathering and aging, so it’s essential that it’s built with precision and care. Foundations come in a few different types, including concrete slab, pier and beam, basement and crawl space varieties. While these all come at different price points, the right foundation type for your home will depend on the soil and weather conditions where you live.
Building a foundation is an intensive home improvement project, so you’ll need to hire experienced professionals for the job. A pro will know what sort of foundation is best suited for homes in your area and how to ensure that it’s built to last. You’ll also need to obtain a building permit from your city or county and have local officials inspect the land. Working with a foundation company will make this step much easier, as the staff will be familiar with the process and local building codes. It’s always wise to contact multiple companies to get a few cost estimates, though you’ll likely need to have your home inspected beforehand.
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The overall cost of your project will depend largely on the type of foundation you choose. That’s because the cost of a foundation varies widely among types: Concrete slab foundations are typically the most affordable, followed by pier and beam foundations, crawl spaces and then basements. When choosing what type of foundation to build, you should rely on expert advice. Your contractor can help you get a soil analysis done if necessary and have the land inspected ahead of time. This will help your architect and foundation contractors know what sort of foundation you should move forward with. In general, concrete slab foundations are best for warmer areas without a lot of rain. In places with more extreme weather and lots of moisture in the ground, pier and beam, crawl space or basement-style foundations are better options.
Concrete SlabFor moderate climates, a concrete foundation is a great option and also happens to be the most affordable choice. Concrete foundation cost comes in at $3 to $5 per square foot, or around $4,000 to $10,000. Because the concrete is poured directly into the prepared ground, it works best in places where there is little moisture in the ground and where the soil stays relatively the same all year round. If the soil expands and contracts too much as a result of temperature and moisture fluctuations, your concrete foundation could run into structural issues.
Some concrete foundations have only short metal footings that extend into the ground below. It can be a good idea to get more substantial footings as well as rebar and foundation or stem walls for extra support around the concrete.
Pier and BeamPier and beam foundations are more traditional and better suited to homes in cold or wet places. A bit more expensive than concrete, pier and beam foundations typically cost $4 to $8 per square foot, or about $8,000 to $15,000. They allow the house to be raised slightly above the ground, so that the foundation avoids water damage from ground moisture. Pier and beam foundations are typically more expensive to install than concrete foundations because of all the extra labor that goes into them.
With this style of foundation, piers made of stone or concrete extend into the ground and hold up wooden or concrete beams that hang horizontally. Piles made of steel, wood or concrete extend even deeper into the ground for added support. The benefit of pier and beam foundations is that they leave some room for plumbing and electrical lines to be installed underneath the home. They also can be more easily accessed for repair work.
Crawl space foundations are similar to pier and beam varieties but lift the house even higher off the ground. Slightly more costly than pier and beam foundations, they usually cost $5 to $10 per square foot, or around $10,000 to $20,000. In particularly rainy and moist climates, crawl space foundations are a popular choice. They ensure that the foundation remains lifted off the ground and away from water even as it accumulates. Still, they can be prone to mold growth, so it’s wise to install moisture-reducing insulation.
BasementsWhile basement foundations are the most expensive to install, having a full basement can offer great value in the long run. They typically cost $5 to $15 per square foot, or around $10,000 to $30,000, to install, but can be even more if finished or especially large. Basements are popular in cold areas where it snows regularly, because the piers already must be installed deep into the ground for stability. Finished basements can cost quite a bit more than unfinished spaces, but can be used for other rooms or even rented out.
Related: Cost to Repair a Foundation