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The most cost-effective foundation repair is using masonry patches and sealants to seal foundation cracks and offer some support to prevent further damage. These methods are used to fix minor foundation cracks quickly. However, they’re not suitable as a long-term solution, and they only offer minimal stability. On average, masonry patches and sealants cost $500, but a sealant like an epoxy crack injection can total over $2,000. If you’re handy and only looking for a temporary solution until you contact a local foundation repair contractor for a more permanent one, you can save hundreds by DIYing this repair.

While a contractor is on-site repairing your concrete steps, you can have them inspect other concrete surfaces for minor damage. They may be able to fix cracks in your driveway or garage floor during the same visit. You can also ask them to check your home's foundation for minor issues they can address. However, general concrete repair experts typically cannot handle larger jobs, like leveling a sunken foundation. For major structural projects, you will need to hire a structural engineer.

If your foundation isn’t properly square, there’s a chance that anything you built before detecting the issue may need to be torn down. A major miscalculation could leave some walls of your home unsupported. 

Most single-story homes don't have foundations strong enough to support a second story, but they can be reinforced for an addition. A structural engineer can assess your foundation and what needs to be done to get it ready. They'll look at any cracks or unevenness in your current foundation and consider any special framing or beams your home needs, especially if it’s in a high-wind or hurricane area.

“To support a second story, many structural engineers will require that you install additional concrete piers in the crawlspace,” says Tschudi. “This involves hand excavating, pouring a large concrete footing—usually with specially coated rebar—and then building concrete piers right up to the girders.”