Unstable or sinking foundations require comprehensive and expensive solutions. Learn about foundation underpinning costs in this guide to set your budget.
How Much Does Foundation Repair Cost in Raleigh, NC? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $2,161 - $4,577
Foundation repair in Raleigh, NC costs an average of $3,369, but it can range from $2,161 to $4,577, depending on your foundation type and the extent of the issue.
How we get this data
fstop123 / E+ / Getty Images
fstop123 / E+ / Getty Images
Cost Insights
Raleigh's cost for foundation repairs is similar to the national average.
Raleigh is subject to state, county, and transit sales taxes that apply to labor for residential repairs and updates.
Heavy soil conditions that are known to cause foundation problems make foundation inspection an important consideration for potential homebuyers in Raleigh.
The average foundation repair cost in Raleigh is $3,369. However, costs for this project can range from $2,161 to $4,577 based on foundation size and type, the extent of the damage, and the repair option you select. Expect any repair that addresses structural issues to cost more than filling in cracks or sealing parts of a foundation. Read on to learn more about how to budget for this project.
Foundation Repair Cost Factors
Contractors in Raleigh generally charge between $1.25 and $13 per square foot for foundation repairs. Expect repairs for an average-sized foundation of around 1,500 square feet to cost between $1,875 and $18,000.
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 ranges between $1.50 and $12 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 (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 | $625–$6,500 |
| 1,000 | $1,250–$13,000 |
| 1,500 | $1,875–$19,500 |
| 2,000 | $2,500–$26,000 |
| 2,500 | $3,125–$32,500 |
| 3,000 | $3,750–$39,000 |
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.
Dense local soil conditions and a superficial frost line make slab foundations more common than basements in Raleigh. The region's dense, sandy soil and high moisture levels make foundation settlement and cracks the most common reasons for foundation repair. Additionally, poor drainage that causes dense soil to expand can weaken foundations in this part of North Carolina.
| Foundation Type | Repair Cost | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | $150–$12,100 | Low |
| Cinder block and brick | $1,200–$22,000 | Medium |
| Basement | $2,200–$19,100 | High |
| Pier and beam | $960–$13,500 | Low |
| Stem wall | $880–$15,000 | Low |
Type of Repair
The cost of foundation repair can depend on the 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 | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Interior waterproofing | $1,000–$11,400 |
| Exterior waterproofing | $400–$3,100 |
| Lifting | $2,000–$7,900 |
| Slab-jacking/leveling | $8,500–$29,000 |
| Piering/stabilizing | $5,000–$12,000 |
| Reinforcement | $4,400–$5,500 |
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.
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.
| Type of Issue | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Drainage | $1,000–$11,400 |
| Cracks | $400–$3,100 |
| Leaks | $2,000–$7,900 |
| Differential settlement (instability) | $8,500–$29,000 |
| Bowing | $5,000–$12,000 |
| Reinforcement | $2,000–$5,500 |
Foundation Repair Pro Costs
Local foundation repair experts in Raleigh charge between $100 and $180 per hour, on average. Expect quotes to be higher for foundation repair methods that require a contractor to make structural changes. Additionally, everything from the cause of foundation cracks that are behind your foundation troubles to how long the warning signs of foundation issues have been lingering can impact final cost.
Permits
With residential permits required for any residential work involving load-bearing parts in Raleigh, most types of foundation repairs will require a permit issued by the City of Raleigh's Planning and Development Department or Building Inspections Department. When altering or repairing an existing residential structure, the permit fee is a $75 base fee that's accompanied by a fee of $0.25 per square foot of gross floor area.
Licensing and Certification Requirements
In Raleigh, all residential repairs exceeding $40,000 in value must be done by a contractor licensed through the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC). However, foundation work that results in structural changes requires a permit regardless of the project's value. Contractors who are licensed through the NCLBGC invest money in testing fees and renewal fees totaling several hundred dollars. In addition, contractors in the Raleigh area can pay between $40 and $200 monthly for insurance coverage.
Taxes
North Carolina has required contractors to charge sales tax on repair, maintenance, and installation (RMI) services since 2016. In most cases, this sales tax will apply to repairs and updates performed on foundations. In addition, any materials purchased for the project are also subject to sales tax. In Raleigh, goods are taxed at a North Carolina sales tax rate of 4.75%, Wake County sales tax rate of 2%, and county transit sales tax rate of 0.5% for a combined total sales tax of 7.25%.
Does Foundation Repair Affect Home Value?
With soil issues putting homes at higher risk for foundation issues in the Raleigh area, foundation inspections are pivotal during the buying process. If a home's foundation is cracked or compromised, it can lose resale value. In addition, a severely damaged foundation could make it impossible for potential buyers to obtain financing to purchase a home unless the foundation issue is fixed first.
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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