Basements & Foundations

Your basement and foundation are the roots of your home, so it’s important to know about common problems that could affect them. From basement flooding to a cracked foundation, and everything in between—our expert insights will keep you informed.

Two fathers and their children watch tv in basement
Photo: 10'000 Hours / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Two fathers and their children watch tv in basement
Photo: 10'000 Hours / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Explore top articles
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
View from beach house looking at the ocean
Em Norton
•
Apr 17, 2024
Apr 17, 2024
Whether trying to protect it or transport it, raising a house is no small feat. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the cost to raise a house.
Concrete slab foundation leak and water damage
Rachel Hoffman
•
Dec 22, 2024
Dec 22, 2024
Plumbing leaks are never fun, but they’re worse when they happen inside your foundation. Use this guide to slab leak repair costs to see what you’re up against.
Suburban house with raised foundation and large yard
Dan Simms
•
Dec 19, 2024
Dec 19, 2024
When a sill plate begins to crumble, it needs to be replaced ASAP. But how much does sill plate replacement cost? Here's what you need to know.
A mobile house with plants and flowers
Ginny Bartolone
•
Jul 9, 2024
Jul 9, 2024
From pier and beam to concrete slabs, learn the pros and cons of the five most-used foundations to keep your mobile home foundation grounded and secure.
Home with strong foundation
Marwa Hasan
•
Feb 22, 2024
Feb 22, 2024
When picking a foundation for your room addition, pier and beam foundations provide an easy and affordable solution. Learn the pros and cons of pier foundations to make the best decision for your home extension.
Finished basement with luxury vinyl flooring
Dan Simms
•
May 16, 2024
May 16, 2024
Your sill plate plays an important role in your home’s structural integrity. Learn how sill plate replacement works, when it’s needed, and more in this guide.
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man pointing to crack in the wall
Jenna Jonaitis  •  Jun 25, 2025
Do Cracks in Drywall Mean Foundation Problems?
Some cracks in your drywall are harmless, while others require attention. Learn if cracks in your drywall indicate foundation problems and what steps to take.
Parents playing with their son on the kitchen floor
Rachel Hoffman  •  Jun 12, 2025
How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost? [2025 Data]
Water damage restoration costs depend on the severity of the problem, the type of water, and the length of time the damage has been occurring.
Basement with stone fireplace
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Jun 11, 2025
How to Keep Your Basement Dry and Get Rid of Moisture
Can’t seem to get rid of the moisture and mold in your basement? Learn why basements tend to hold moisture and how to get rid of moisture in the basement.
Young woman sweeping water from front yard on rainy day
Jill Harness  •  Jun 9, 2025
How to Build a Flood Wall Around Your House
Building a flood wall around your house is a worthwhile investment. For superior protection in a flood zone, it’s best to hire a pro to do the work for you.
An open-space living room in a house’s basement
Catherine Hiles  •  Jun 6, 2025
How to Fix a Leaky Basement
A basement offers additional living or storage space, but if it leaks, it can become a significant headache. Learn how to fix a leaky basement and prevent water damage.
A typical crawl space
Catherine Hiles  •  Jun 5, 2025
7 Crawl Space Maintenance Tips for a Safe and Dry Home
Crawl space maintenance is a necessary part of keeping your home protected and energy-efficient. Follow these tips to properly maintain your crawl space.
A bright wooden bathroom
Gemma Johnstone  •  Jun 5, 2025
What Is a Home Flood Detection System and Do I Need One?
Learn what home flood detection systems are, how they work, where to install them, and why they can help minimize water damage in your home with this guide.
Excavator digging a trench
Elisa Greenberg  •  Jun 4, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Dig a Trench? [2025 Data]
Digging a trench is usually the first step in a larger home project. Our trenching cost calculator breaks down the factors that affect the price tag of this job.
Gray traditional cottage
Dan Simms  •  Jun 4, 2025
How Much Does Crawl Space Repair Cost? [2025 Data]
Crawl space repair costs can seem intimidating, but putting them off can lead to bigger issues. Learn about repair costs in this guide to set your budget.
basement foundation waterproofing
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Jun 3, 2025
How to Waterproof Your Foundation: 9 Ways to Keep Water Out
Wondering how to waterproof foundation walls? These tips cover everything from basic waterproofing to leveling your yard to keep water out.
Exterior shot of a bungalow type of house on a sunny day
Paige Bennett  •  Jun 2, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Demolish a House? [2025 Data]
How much does it cost to demolish a house? Average prices for demolition vary based on home size, materials, and location. A partial demolition can make a project more affordable than a full house demolition. Keep reading for more.
A collage featuring a white bookshelf, wood floors, and an LED recessed lighting fixture. Overlay says “$67,000 - Crown Point, IN”.
Nosy Neighbor  •  Jun 2, 2025
The $67,000 Finished Basement in Crown Point, IN
A homeowner in Crown Point, Indiana, breaks down the real cost of their finished basement project, including prices and advice.