A home’s foundation is one of the largest costs in the overall building estimate, typically ranging from $5,000 for a small home to $40,000 for a large home. On average, though, a new foundation costs $10,000. A foundation is an essential component of a house since it supports the structure and transfers the weight of the building and its contents to the ground. In addition, a foundation levels and stabilizes a house, ensuring that doors and windows open and close properly and that the floors are even.
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Key Takeaways
- The average cost of a foundation is $10,000, ranging from $5,000 for smaller homes to $40,000 for larger homes.
- The labor costs to build a foundation typically account for 40% to 60% of the project, depending on factors such as your home’s size, regional labor rates and the foundation’s complexity.
- From concrete slabs and stem wall concrete slabs to pier and beam foundations and cinder block foundations, each foundation type features distinct cost, suitability and durability characteristics that are important to consider.
Average Concrete Foundation Costs
| Average Concrete Foundation Costs | |
|---|---|
Average Cost | $10,000 |
Highest Cost | $40,000 |
Lowest Cost | $5,000 |
Labor Costs to Build a Foundation
The labor costs to build a foundation typically range from $3,000 to $8,000, or about 40% to 60% of the project. Notably, this range only represents the labor costs explicitly associated with building the foundation. Since materials to build a house foundation are fairly basic, labor typically accounts for a significant part of the total cost. However, labor costs can generally vary depending on several factors, including your home’s size, regional labor rates and the specialized skills needed for the foundation’s complexity.
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Foundation Cost by Size and per Square Foot
When building a home, the size of the foundation is a major factor in determining the overall cost of the project. For instance, you can estimate the starting cost to construct a concrete slab foundation is approximately $4 per square foot, starting at $2,000 for 500 square feet and scaling up to $10,000 for 2,500 square feet. However, keep in mind that the overall cost can also vary based on the requirements of the foundation project.
| Square Footage | Starting Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| 500 | $2,000 |
1,000 | $4,000 |
1,500 | $6,000 |
2,000 | $8,000 |
2,500 | $10,000 |
Basem*nt Foundation Cost
Significantly more expensive than slab foundation, a full basem*nt foundation for an average home will usually cost from $13,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the size of the house. The average of the high and low costs is $18,500.
Per Square Foot
The cost of a basem*nt foundation can range from $30 to $100 per square foot.
| Square Footage | Starting Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| 500 | $15,000 |
1,000 | $30,000 |
1,500 | $45,000 |
2,000 | $60,000 |
Foundation Replacement Cost
When your home’s foundation is in need of replacing, there are a few factors you should keep top of mind, such as the type of foundation being replaced, the extent of damage and the location of the property. Therefore, the cost of foundation replacement typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, for an average cost of $10,000. For a more accurate estimate based on your foundation’s circ*mstances, it is recommended to consult with a professional contractor.
Types of Foundations
Monolithic Concrete Slab
A concrete slab foundation, also called a slab-on-grade foundation, is poured directly on top of the ground. It consists of a single, thick slab of concrete that is poured and finished to create a smooth, level surface that serves as the base for the structure. Concrete slab foundations are the most affordable foundation option, ranging between $4 to $8 per square foot, as they require minimal excavation and backfilling.
Monolithic Concrete Slab Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable since less excavation and backfilling is required
- Quick to install
- Durable, with properly poured and finished slabs lasting decades or longer
Cons
- Less suitable for areas with expansive soils due to soil swelling and shrinking
- May require additional waterproofing measures such as a sump pump or exterior drainage system
- Less energy efficient since they do not provide any insulation between the ground and the floor of the structure
Stem Wall Concrete Slab
A stem wall concrete slab combines a concrete stem wall with a slab-on-grade foundation. The stem wall is a vertical wall of concrete that is poured around the perimeter of the foundation. It typically extends up from the ground a few feet and provides support for the structure above it.
Costing approximately $6 to $12 per square foot, astem wall concrete slab foundation is often used in areas with expansive soils because it helps to anchor the structure to the ground and prevent it from moving due to soil movement.
Stem Wall Concrete Slab Pros and Cons
Pros
- Increased stability in difficult soil conditions
- Allows for crawl space, which can help to improve ventilation and insulation
- Best for sloping sites
Cons
- More expensive to install than slab-on-grade foundations, as they require more materials and labor
- Requires additional reinforcement, which can add to the cost of the project
- Requires additional waterproofing
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Pier and Beam Foundation
A pier and beam foundation, also known as a post and beam foundation, consists of concrete or masonry piers that support the weight of the structure, with beams or girders spanning between the piers. More expensive than concrete slab foundations, you can expect to pay approximately $7 to $12 per square foot.
Pier and Beam Foundation Pros
- Allows for crawl space, a plus when considering ventilation and insulation
- Can be adjusted to level the structure if the ground beneath it settles or shifts
- Works well for sloping sites since the piers can be adjusted to accommodate the slope of the ground
Pier and Beam Foundation Cons
- More expensive than concrete slab foundations
- May require more frequent maintenance to prevent deterioration
- Strength may be an issue as it relies on the strength of the piers and beams rather than on a monolithic concrete slab
Cinder Block Foundation
Cinder block foundations, also known as concrete block foundations, are made from blocks of concrete that are stacked and cemented together to form the walls of the foundation. Although the cost of a cinder block foundation can vary depending on size, height and other factors, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $15 per square foot.
Cinder Block Foundation Pros
- Cinder block foundations are more affordable to install than even poured concrete foundations
- Strong and durable, lasting for many years
- Easy to install—the only type of foundation that most do-it-yourselfers can install
Cinder Block Foundation Cons
- Not as strong as poured concrete slab foundations
- May require additional reinforcement, adding to the cost of the project
- May crack or deteriorate over time, especially in regions that experience freeze-thaw cycles
Basem*nt Foundation
A basem*nt foundation is a deep foundation dug into the ground which provides a space below the main level of the house. This space can be turned into a habitable space for entertainment, or it can be converted into an apartment. Therefore, it is the most expensive foundation type, averaging $33 per square foot.
Basem*nt Foundation Pros
- Added living space for a family room, home office or guest bedroom
- Increased storage space for household items and tools
- Usually increases resale value since more living space is added
Basem*nt Foundation Cons
- More expensive than other foundations since they require more excavation and backfilling
- More waterproofing is needed because they are deeper, so a sump pump or exterior drainage system may be required
- Less energy efficient since more habitable living space must be heated and cooled
6 Additional Costs Associated With Foundation Installation
Types
The foundation type you choose often makes up a significant portion of the project’s total cost. For instance, opting for a monolithic concrete slab foundation can offer a cost-effective way to initiate the project. On the other hand, stem wall concrete slabs, pier and beam foundation and cinder block foundations offer various advantages with slightly higher price tags. If you’re interested in a full basem*nt foundation, you can expect substantially higher costs due to an higher investment in time and labor, but offers homeowners additional living space or storage options.
Permits
Building permits are always required for any work on the foundation of a house. The cost of the permits is dependent on the type and size of the house and the specific requirements of the local building code.
Time
The time of year can make building the new foundation easier or more difficult, especially with inclement weather. The cost may be higher during the peak construction season or lower during the off-season, which is usually in the winter months.
Region
The location of the site can also influence the cost of foundation installation. Labor and materials may be more expensive in certain regions, and this can increase the overall cost of the projects.
Soil Testing
Soil testing can help to identify potential issues with the soil, such as unstable or expansive soils. Professional soil testing allows the foundation design to be adjusted accordingly.
Grading
Grading prepares the site for the foundation by shaping and smoothing the ground to create a level surface. With grading, the foundation will be properly supported and water will drain away from the foundation. Sloped sites will require more extensive grading than level sites.
DIY Foundation Installation vs. Hiring A Pro
Overall, it is generally best to hire professionals to install a house foundation, as they have the experience, labor, tools and knowledge of local building codes to make sure that the foundation is built correctly. In addition to hiring a contractor, it’s often necessary to consult with a structural engineer.
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To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed a range of providers on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cheapest type of foundation for a house?
The cheapest foundation is usually a slab-on-grade concrete foundation, followed by a crawl space foundation and a concrete block foundation.
Can I pour my own foundation?
No, most homeowners should not try to pour their own foundation unless they have extensive knowledge of construction techniques and are comfortable working with heavy machinery and materials.
How much should I budget for a foundation?
The cost of a house foundation will vary depending on the size and complexity of the foundation and the location of the site. In general, the cost of foundation installation can range from a few thousand dollars to several tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the scope of the work.
How much does it cost to fill in a crawl space?
Filling in a crawl space, also known as crawl space encapsulation, is the process of sealing and insulating the crawl space of a house to create a dry, controlled environment. Across the U.S., the average cost to professionally encapsulate your home’s crawl space is $5,500.
How long do poured concrete foundations last?
Poured concrete foundations are designed to last for a long time, as long as they are built properly and well-maintained. With proper care and maintenance, a poured concrete foundation can last for decades.
How deep does a concrete foundation need to be?
For slab-on-grade foundations, the slabs are typically four to six inches thick. Basem*nt foundations are usually eight to 12 feet deep. Crawl space foundations typically range in depth from three to four feet deep.
