2024 Foundation Cost: Slab, Crawl Space, Basement and More
Normal range: $4,045 - $14,718
The average U.S. homeowner spends about $9,375 to build a foundation. Depending on home location, material, size, and type, most spend between $4,045 and $14,718.
A well-built foundation will keep your house, garage, or shed stable and structurally strong. The average cost to build a new foundation is around $9,375, but depending on the size, type, and necessary prep for your project, your foundation can cost anywhere between $4,045 and $14,718. Learn which factors affect the cost of a new foundation and what you can expect to pay in your area.
- Average
- $9,375
- Low end
- $1,200
- high end
- $33,000
Foundation Cost Factors
Laying a foundation isn’t a simple project. Multiple factors impact the cost, like labor fees and soil analysis findings. Below, we’ll explain each factor and its role in the project total.
Size
Most foundation projects are charged by the square footage, which means you're paying for the area of that space. On average, laying a foundation costs about $5 to $37 per square foot. This range depends on what type of foundation you need because you’ll pay around $5 to $16 per square foot for a monolithic, one-pour slab, and you’ll be at the higher end of this range for a basement foundation.
| Square Footage | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1000 | $5,000–$37,000 |
| 1500 | $7,500–$55,500 |
| 2000 | $10,000–$74,000 |
| 2500 | $12,500–$92,500 |
| 3000 | $15,000–$111,000 |
Type of Foundation
Foundation costs vary based on the type of foundation. The foundation construction and style as well as the type of foundation structure the foundation can all affect the price, with larger and more complex foundations carrying higher price tags.
| Foundation Type | Average Cost Range per sq. ft. |
|---|---|
| Monolithic Slab | $5–$16 |
| Pier and Beam | $6–$12 |
| Stem Wall | $6–$18 |
| Crawl Space | $6–$18 |
| Block | $9–$15 |
| Basement | $20–$37 |
| Shed | $5–$10 |
| Garage | $6–$12 |
| Walkout basement | $25–$55 |
Labor
Labor fees will take up the bulk of this project’s cost. On average, homeowners spend $4,500 to $18,500 to pour a foundation, or 40% to 60% of the project total. You might be on the lower or higher end of this range, depending on your location and if you live in a high cost-of-living area.
Materials
The material you’ll need for a foundation project will impact its cost. You’ll pay more in material for a basement foundation than a monolithic slab. Besides foundation type, other material costs you’ll need to consider are waterproofing, insulation, and a drainage system.
Permits
Since building a foundation is part of construction projects, your local foundation contractor must pull a permit before starting the job. Your permit might require a soil analysis report and a foundation and site plan. Your pro will know everything needed to get your project up and running. Getting a building permit can cost $450 to $2,300.
Soil Testing
Before you can pour a slab for your foundation, you’ll need to test its soil. Soil testing will tell you the type of soil you have and what kind of foundation (if any) it can support safely. This test is non-negotiable and is typically a requirement to get a permit. On average, a geotechnical soil test, the kind needed for construction projects, costs approximately $1,000 to $5,000.
Location
How much a foundation costs depends on its location. If your land is known to flood, your pros will consider this and build a slab that can hold its own against flooding. Besides flooding, if your soil conditions are less than ideal for a shallow or slab-on-grade foundation, you might require a deep foundation, which can cost more in material and labor fees.
Grading and Excavation
Grading and excavation costs are one of the highest costs, outside of labor, on this project. Most construction projects that require pouring a foundation need to be graded. Typically, homeowners spend around $2 to $10 per square foot on this task.
However, your soil conditions, type of foundation, and area’s current slope can make the price rise or drop. You’ll need to talk to a grading contractor since they know how to build up soil around a home foundation and can give you a more accurate project quote.
Sealing and Drainage
Water problems and your foundation mix as well as water and oil (hint: they don’t). Any water around your foundation can damage its structural integrity, so prevention is the key. That’s why foundation sealing and a drainage system are essential. Sealing your foundation can cost $1,900 to $7,300, while installing a drainage system can cost $1,100 to $6,500.
Foundation Inspection
A foundation inspection helps ensure that your foundation can safely withstand your home’s weight. Typically, an inspection is conducted before your project starts and after it’s done. The cost to have your foundation inspected is approximately $300 to $1,300.
Footings
A foundation’s footing is the part of the foundation that supports it and prevents it from settling into the ground. It can also help prevent water and moisture damage when properly installed. Footings cost about $6.50 per square foot to build a foundation.
Foundation Cost by Type
Your area’s climate and soil content will call for different types of foundations. Basements and crawl spaces are a different type altogether, as these require extra excavation and supports. Below are the different types of foundations and what they could cost.
Concrete Slab Foundation Cost
A concrete slab costs about $5,200 to $21,000, based on the size and project. Your area’s climate will dictate which type you need. Besides your location, the soil type and your structural needs also play a role.
Monolithic Slab Foundation
A monolithic concrete slab goes for an average of $5,200 to $13,000. As the “mono” prefix suggests, the entire foundation comes together in a single pour. Since this is quicker and easier than laying other foundations, it brings your labor costs down considerably.
However, it won’t work unless the ground is level throughout your property and the soil is well-compacted. For areas requiring builds to rise above a floodplain, it’s not a good choice.
Stem Wall Foundation
You’ll likely pay between $7,000 and $21,000 for a stem wall foundation. This type of foundation consists of a concrete slab, the foundation/stem walls, and the concrete footings. More excavation, materials, and labor are involved, so they carry a higher price tag than a monolithic concrete slab.
Pier and Beam Foundation
Also known as post and pier foundations, pier and beam concrete foundations cost an average of $8,000 to $15,000, or about $6 to $12 per square foot, with a steel l-beam cost at the higher end of this range.
| Pier and Beam Foundations | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Concrete foundation piers | $1,000 |
| Wood beams | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Steel beams | $1,500 – $5,000 |
While rare nowadays, these were common before builders started constructing concrete slab-on-grade foundations in the 1960s. Still, they’re a good choice for moisture- and flood-prone areas, as they elevate and provide excellent airflow to prevent mold.
Pile Foundation
Piles cost about $20 to $60 per linear foot, with a typical minimum cost of $28,000. These come to the rescue when the soil isn’t fit to support a concrete foundation. Their job is to penetrate the bad soil down to the solid bedrock. Also, prices vary by material:
| Pile Material | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Wood | $13 – $20 |
| Concrete | $30 – $60 |
| Steel (hollow) | $20 – $40 |
| Steel (concrete-filled) | $25 – $45 |
Keep in mind that piles alone aren’t a foundation, so these prices are in addition to costs of your chosen foundation.
Basement Foundation
To pour a basement concrete foundation costs anywhere from $24,000 to $148,000. This price depends on the type of basement foundation you need and the size of your project. However, these prices don't include any finishes you’ll do to turn your basement into a liveable space.
Here are some factors that will affect the price:
Waterproofing and drainage systems are important for keeping your basement hangout space dry (they’re also less expensive and easier to add when building).
Finishing the basement costs a lot more than leaving it unfinished, but it improves your home’s resale value and provides you with tons of space to create that home bar, movie theater, or anything else your heart desires.
Doors and windows are something to consider, as you’ll need exit windows for code compliance, and you might desire a walkout basement entrance as well.
| Type of Basement Foundation | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Basement | $24,000 – $50,000 |
| Walkout Basement | $37,000 – $101,000 |
| Added to Existing Home | $38,000 – $148,000 |
Crawl Space Foundation
Crawl space foundations cost around $10,000 on average, but they can approach upwards of $20,000 for bigger projects. Since there isn’t a need to jack up your home or do extensive excavation, crawl space foundations will cost a lot less than a basement build.
But what is a crawl space? Crawl spaces are more than just a cavern for spiders: They allow access to machine systems for important repairs. Plus, they give you a space to stash your Christmas tree, old clothes you just can’t seem to part with, or whatever else you don’t care to look at year-round. Ask your builder about adding ventilation, insulation, or a sealing system to avoid moisture problems.
Garage Foundation
A garage foundation costs $2,000 to $7,000 on average and depends on if you need a one-, two-, or three-car garage built. If you plan on moving eventually and depending on the size of your home, a larger garage that can fit multiple cars might be worth the investment since it can add to your resale value.
Shed Foundation
Your shed will need to be on solid, level ground, but fortunately, the small size of this structure will keep the cost to install a foundation low. A poured concrete foundation for a 10-by-16-foot shed will cost about $1,000. You may opt for a gravel pad for your shed instead, which will cost about $200 to $300 for a 10-by-16-foot shed.
Block Foundation
A block foundation is stacked cinder blocks cemented using mortar and reinforced with rebar since these blocks are hollow. These foundations can hold more weight than a poured foundation and is best for larger homes. On average, homeowners spend $11,500 to $19,000 or $9 to $15 per square foot on this foundation.
Ongoing Foundation Costs
Once your foundation is poured, you can’t just forget about it. Maintenance, repairs, and other ongoing costs are necessary to ensure your foundation stays in great shape and can act as a sturdy, solid base for your home for decades to come.
Maintenance
Regularly maintaining your foundation and the area around it can help prevent damage. To maintain your foundation:
Regularly check and maintain your home’s drainage system, including gutters and downspouts.
Ensure the soil around your foundation remains properly graded to direct water away.
Keep trees and other plants with large roots away from your foundation.
Water your foundation during extremely hot weather or drought to prevent soil shrinkage and erosion.
Repairs
If you discover anything wrong with your foundation, call a foundation repair pro right away. Leaving damage to your foundation can cause the problem to get worse over time and can lead to much more serious structural problems in the future. The cost of foundation repair is well worth it to avoid more expensive and potentially dangerous problems later on. Foundation repairs average between $2,000 and $7,000, but serious problems will cost you more to fix.
Insurance
Your foundation will be included in your homeowners insurance policy, but be sure you know what kinds of repairs are covered and which aren’t. Some foundation problems like cracks and settling usually aren’t covered, but sudden, accidental damage might be.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Install a Foundation
"Regular inspections are key to keeping your foundation in good shape and avoiding costly repairs. Look for cracks and address them promptly. Make sure you have proper drainage around your home by maintaining clean gutters and downspouts, grading the landscape to slope away from the foundation, and avoiding excessive watering near the foundation."
— Tim O'Shea, The Build Pros
A structure’s foundation is integral to its durability and can be the difference between a building that can stand its ground and one that shifts with the earth. Unless you have extensive experience in foundation building code requirements, yard grading, and building a foundation, this job is better left to the pros.
You’ll likely need a licensed foundation contractor, architect, and structural engineer near you to work on this project. Each pro has specialized skills and tools that they’ll bring to the job to ensure it’s getting done properly while you can spend your time and effort on another project.
Cost of Common Foundation Add-Ons
Once your foundation has been built, you may need additional services before it’s fully completed. Some common add-ons for basement foundations include:
Doors and windows: Adding doors and windows to a basement can cost an average of $2,500 to $7,000.
Plumbing and electrical: Running utilities into a basement can cost $3,000 to $9,000, depending on how many and what type of plumbing hookups you need.
Basement finishing: Framing, drywall, paint, and flooring can range between $5,500 and $11,000 for a finished basement.
Waterproofing: Keeping water out of your basement is crucial. Waterproofing a basement averages between $2,500 and $8,000.
How to Save on Foundation Costs
Since a foundation is so vital to a structure’s strength and durability, this isn’t a project you’d want to cut corners on. One of the best ways to save money on a foundation’s cost is to put your best buck forward and build a foundation with which you won’t have expensive replacements in the long run.
Outside of preventive measures, another way you can save money on concrete foundation costs is to choose the most budget-friendly foundation material you can. Due to their needs and soil conditions, most homeowners only can build one type of foundation. But if you have a little wiggle room—based on what your structural engineer recommends—consider more cost-effective options.
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 costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whenever you’re hiring a foundation installer, the best thing you can do is get a few estimates, ask for references, and see who is the best fit. Once your pro gives you an estimate, be sure to review it carefully and ensure it doesn’t leave room for any hidden expenses. The best pros are communicative and transparent from the start.
Concrete foundations last 80 to 100 years or even longer in some cases. A foundation’s longevity can be affected by soil and weather conditions, poor building material quality, improper construction, tree roots, and more. Signs of foundation damage include sloping floors, bowing walls, windows and doors that don’t open and close right, wall cracks, and separating walls and ceilings.
The most cost-effective house foundation is a monolithic slab foundation, which costs $5 to $12 per square foot but can reach $16 per square foot depending on the size of your home. These foundations are the most inexpensive because they’re a one-pour slab with both the footing and slab poured together. Because it's simpler than other foundation types, it requires less material and labor, hence its budget-friendly price.