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.
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.
The exterior of a natural stone house
Dan Simms
•
Dec 20, 2024
Dec 20, 2024
Unstable or sinking foundations require comprehensive and expensive solutions. Learn about foundation underpinning costs in this guide to set your budget.
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.
Pier and beam foundation
Dan Simms
•
Dec 19, 2024
Dec 19, 2024
Worried about pier and beam foundation repair costs? Get a better understanding of how to budget by learning about the repair methods available to you.
Front porch of new home
Dan Simms
•
Aug 21, 2024
Aug 21, 2024
How thick a foundation should be depends on a few factors. Learn about minimum thicknesses for different foundation types and soils in this guide.
A concrete slab foundation
Dan Simms
•
Sep 4, 2024
Sep 4, 2024
Can’t tell the difference between a footing versus a foundation? Learn how they differ and how to tell them apart in this guide to foundations and footings.
Need help finding the right pro?
Share your project details and we’ll match you with up to 3 available pros near you.
View all articles
modern backyard cement patio
Rachel Hoffman  •  Feb 6, 2025
What Is Concrete Leveling? Pros, Cons, and Methods
Learn about concrete leveling and how it can fix uneven surfaces, from sunken sidewalks to uneven driveways, and boost your home’s safety and curb appeal.
Parents playing with their son on the kitchen floor
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  Feb 5, 2025
How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost? [2025 Data]
Water damage restoration costs vary depending on the severity of the problem, the type of water, and the length of time the damage has been occurring.
large white house on a rainy autumn day
Justine Harrington  •  Feb 5, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Sump Pump? [2025 Data]
Sump pump replacement costs depend on the type of unit you have and the cost of labor, which varies by region. Read on to find out more about what to expect.
A brick house with a concrete driveway
Dan Simms  •  Jan 28, 2025
How Much Does Concrete Leveling Cost? [2025 Data]
Don’t let sinking concrete capsize your budget. Learn about concrete leveling costs and the available methods to plan ahead for your project.
Small blue house with nice concrete driveway
Rachel Hoffman  •  Jan 28, 2025
What Is Mudjacking? Pros, Cons, and Costs
Mudjacking is an affordable fix for sunken or uneven concrete. Learn what mudjacking is and if it’s worth it for your driveway, sidewalk, or patio.
San Francisco row homes in the morning
Mizuki Hisaka  •  Jan 28, 2025
How Much Does an Earthquake Retrofit Cost? [2025 Data]
Earthquakes can cause serious damage, but you can protect your home. Find earthquake retrofit costs based on the type of home, foundation type, retrofit method, and more.
A modern, single story house with a driveway
C.E. Larusso  •  Jan 24, 2025
5 Steep Driveway Solutions for Every Budget
A driveway that’s too steep can be a major inconvenience. We’ve compiled some of the best steep driveway solutions in this comprehensive guide.
concrete front porch
Rachel Hoffman  •  Jan 24, 2025
Who Do I Hire to Level My Concrete Slab?
Leveling concrete slabs around your home is no small feat. Learn who to call to level your concrete slab and why they’re the right choice.
blue suburban home with yard space
Allie Ogletree  •  Jan 23, 2025
How Much Does Hazard Insurance Cost?
When you buy a home, you’ll likely need hazard insurance to protect it from things like natural disasters and burglaries. Learn how insurance costs can vary.
front yard concrete driveway
Rachel Hoffman  •  Jan 22, 2025
How Long Does Mudjacking Last?
Mudjacking is a common method for leveling concrete. Learn how long mudjacking lasts and what factors contribute to its lifespan.
An open-space living room and kitchen located in a house’s basement
Mariel Loveland  •  Jan 21, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2025 Data]
If you’re building a new home, you might need to consider the cost of digging out a basement. Use this pricing guide to get an estimate for the project.
Exterior of house with concrete walkway
Dan Simms  •  Jan 20, 2025
How Much Does Mudjacking Cost? [2025 Data]
Mudjacking is an affordable and minimally intrusive way to level concrete surfaces. Use this mudjacking cost guide to see what your project will total.