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
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brother and sister riding bicycles on the sidewalk
Dan Simms  •  Jan 20, 2025
How Much Does Polyurethane Concrete Lifting Cost? [2025 Data]
Sunken concrete slabs can quickly get expensive to raise back up. Learn about polyurethane concrete lifting costs to see how you should budget.
A view of a concrete patio
René Bennett  •  Jan 20, 2025
How to Raise a Sunken Concrete Slab With DIY Mudjacking
DIY mudjacking is an advanced task, but learning how to raise a concrete slab is great to know for many scenarios. Let's take a look at how to DIY mudjack.
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.
cellar doors on the side of the house
Lauren Bongard  •  Jan 20, 2025
How Much Does Basement Bulkhead Replacement Cost? [2025 Data]
When storm season is approaching, ensure you’re ready to go in case of an emergency. Explore our guide to budgeting for bulkhead replacement costs.
Basement living room with wet bar
Deane Biermeier  •  Jan 14, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Finish a Basement? [2025 Data]
An unfinished basement has a lot of potential for a family room or guest suite. So how much does it cost to finish a basement? Read on for all cost factors.