The average U.S. homeowner spends about $9,444 to build a foundation. Depending on home location, material, size, and type, most spend between $4,039 and $14,848.
The average cost to build a new foundation is around $9,444, but depending on the size, type, and necessary prep for your project, your foundation can cost anywhere between $4,039 and $14,848. Homeowners can pay anywhere from $5,000 to $37,000 per 1,000 square foot. Learn which factors affect the cost of a new foundation and what you can expect to pay in your area.
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.
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, so most homeowners pay anywhere between $5,000 and $37,000 for a 1,000 square foot 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 |
Foundation costs vary based on the type of foundation. The foundation construction and style as well as the type of foundation structure, 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Soil Testing: Before you can pour a slab for your foundation, you’ll need to test its soil. On average, a geotechnical soil test, the kind needed for construction projects, costs approximately $1,000 to $5,000.
Grading and Excavation: Most construction projects that require pouring a foundation need to be graded. Homeowners spend around $2 to $10 per square foot on this task. 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: Any water around your foundation can damage its structural integrity, so prevention is key—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. Inspections are conducted before your project starts and after it’s done and cost between $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. Footings cost about $6.50 per square foot to build a foundation.
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.
A concrete slab costs about $5,200 to $21,000, based on the size and project. The area, soil type, and structural needs will dictate which type you need.
A monolithic concrete slab goes for an average of $5,200 to $13,000. This is quicker and easier than laying other foundations, so 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.
You’ll likely pay between $7,000 and $21,000 for a stem wall foundation. More excavation, materials, and labor are involved, so they carry a higher price tag than a monolithic concrete slab.
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 |
These were common before builders started constructing concrete slab-on-grade foundations in the 1960s. They’re still a good choice for moisture- and flood-prone areas, as they elevate and provide excellent airflow to prevent mold.
Piles cost about $20 to $60 per linear foot, with an average minimum cost of $28,000. These are good when the soil isn’t fit to support a concrete foundation. 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 |
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.
Here are some factors that will affect the price:
Waterproofing and drainage systems are important for keeping your basement hangout space dry.
Finishing the basement costs a lot more than leaving it unfinished, but it improves your home’s resale value.
Doors and windows are something to consider, as you’ll need exit windows for code compliance.
| 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 foundations cost around $10,000 on average, but they can approach $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. They allow access to machine systems for important repairs.
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. It can be worth the investment since it can add to your resale value.
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.
A block foundation is stacked cinder blocks cemented using mortar and reinforced with rebar and are best for larger homes. On average, homeowners spend $11,500 to $19,000 or $9 to $15 per square foot on this foundation.
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.
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.
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.
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 often usually aren’t covered, but sudden, accidental damage might be.
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.
"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
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.
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.
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 extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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.
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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.
