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Foundation Repair Cost in Washington, D.C. [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $2,526 - $9,709
Foundation repair in Washington, D.C., costs an average of $6,095, but it can range from $2,526 to $9,709, depending on your foundation type and the extent of the issue.
How we get this data
fstop123 / E+ / Getty Images
fstop123 / E+ / Getty Images
Highlights
Foundation repair costs in Washington, D.C., depend on the size and type of the foundation.
Basements, crawl spaces, and concrete slabs are common in D.C.
Washington’s clay soil and mixture of rain and dry spells lead to foundation issues like cracking and settling.
You’ll need to obtain a permit for foundation repair in Washington, D.C.
Overall, foundation repair costs in D.C. are 17% higher than the national average.
Expect to spend between $2,526 and $9,709, or an average of $6,095, to have your foundation repaired in Washington, D.C. Factors such as the size and type of foundation, as well as the type of issue and necessary repair work, will impact the overall cost. Due to the area’s higher cost of living, foundation repairs in the nation’s capital cost roughly 17% more than the national average price.
Foundation Repair Cost Factors
Several factors impact the cost of foundation repair in Washington, D.C., beyond the area’s higher material and labor costs. Prices depend on the size of your foundation, the type of foundation, what the problem is, and how your contractor fixes it.
Foundation Size
Foundation size directly impacts the cost of fixing it. The larger the home, the larger, heavier, and more structurally complex the foundation tends to be. Large foundations also often require more equipment and materials for repairs.
The per-square-foot cost of foundation repairs in Washington, D.C., ranges between $1.75 and $14 per square foot on average. The range accounts for everything from minor sealant upgrades to full epoxy replacement. Prices can go much higher per square foot for certain materials, but assume this range on average when considering the full area of your home's foundation.
| Foundation Size (Square Feet) | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 500 | $875–$7,025 |
| 1,000 | $1,750–$14,050 |
| 1,500 | $2,625–$21,050 |
| 2,000 | $3,500–$28,075 |
| 3,000 | $5,275–$42,125 |
Foundation Type
Your options for foundation repairs will vary based on your home’s foundation type, whether it’s a basement, a concrete slab, cinder blocks, bricks, or a crawl space. Prices for each foundation type also depend on the type and extent of damage since there’s no single solution for all foundation problems.
The two most common types of foundations in Washington, D.C., homes are basements and crawl spaces. Concrete slabs are also typical. The table below shows foundation repair costs for these and other types of foundations.
| Type of Foundation | Cost to Repair | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basement | $2,700–$8,900 | Extra space for storage and living | Expensive, prone to water issues |
| Cinder block and brick | $400–$29,250 | Easier and more affordable to install | Risk of water damage and pest intrusion |
| Concrete slab | $400–$23,400 | Solid foundation that keeps out pests and insects | No storage or living space, difficult to access pipes |
| Crawl space | $5,275–$9,350 | Less expensive than basements, can be insulated | Challenging to access, prone to moisture problems |
| Pier and beam | $875–$29,250 | Good insulation, resistant to floods, easy access when repairs are needed | Susceptible to pests and moisture issues, limited load-bearing capacity |
| Stem wall | $400–$23,400 | Ideal for flood zones, provide easy access | Expensive to build, requires more maintenance |
Type of Repair
The cost to fix your foundation depends on the foundation repair method used to fix your problem. Many types of foundation repair are available, each requiring specific materials and experience. You can hire a foundation repair pro near you to fix most issues.
| Repair Type | Costs Range |
|---|---|
| Foundation lifting | $23,400–$26,900 |
| Mud- or slab-jacking | $575–$1,525 |
| Piering or underpinning | $1,175–$3,500 |
| Reinforcement strips | $4,675–$14,050 |
Type of Issue
Every foundation problem comes with a unique price tag, particularly when a contractor has to take multiple approaches to fix it. Foundation crack repair costs, for example, depend on whether the problem stems from drainage problems, soil instability, or poor installation. There are several causes of foundation cracks that your contractor will need to assess.
Leaks may require contractors to add a range of waterproofing methods to your foundation or investigate the source of the water from inside or outside your home. In more extreme cases, a bowing wall or sinking foundation will require major reinforcement or even replacement.
In Washington, D.C., the most common foundation issues are settling, cracking, and water damage. This is because of D.C.’s clay-rich soils and mixture of heavy rains and dry spells.
| Foundation Issue | Cost to Repair |
|---|---|
| Bowing walls | $4,675–$14,050 |
| Foundation cracks | $300–$925 |
| Foundation leaks | $2,350–$8,200 |
| Weak foundation | $1,175–$5,850 |
| Home settling | $5,850–$29,250 |
| Poor soil drainage | $925–$17,550 |
Foundation Repair Pro Costs
The bulk of the price to repair a foundation is the labor cost. On average, foundation repair contractors in Washington, D.C., charge $225 to $250 an hour. Depending on the severity of the problem, a contractor may be finished in a few hours or may spend several weeks repairing your foundation.
Foundation Permit Costs in D.C.
Washington, D.C., requires homeowners to obtain a permit before doing any foundation work. Depending on the size of the foundation, permits cost between $130 and $650.
Does Foundation Repair Affect Home Value?
Foundation repair won’t increase your home’s value, but ignoring foundation problems could lead to major issues that dramatically decrease the value of your home. Foundation issues are also likely to show up on a home inspection report, which could scare a buyer away or cause them to counter with a lower offer to cover the cost of the repair.
If you know your home has foundation issues, it’ll cost more to ignore the problem in the long run. Even though it won’t boost your home’s value, repairing foundation problems will help you avoid larger costs down the road and make it easier to sell your home.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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