Updated November 2, 2026
Key takeaways
- Most slab jobs fall between $4,000 and $15,000.
- Piers usually run $1,000–$3,000 each.
- Interior piers cost more because the floor has to be opened.
- A crack that isn't moving may only need sealing, at $250–$800.
The typical slab foundation repair cost runs $4,000–$15,000, or $1,000–$3,000 per pier. The total depends on how much of your slab has moved and whether we can reach it from outside.
Most slab foundation repair costs come down to pier count. A corner that dropped in a dry summer is one kind of job, while a whole side on soft clay is another.
Soil plays a big role too. On deep clay, piers may need to go a long way before they meet resistance, while shallow rock can make the job shorter. Nobody can tell you for sure how deep they'll go until they start, so a good estimate explains how it handles a pier that runs deeper than planned.
Slab foundation repair cost by job size
Slab foundation repair cost scales with the number of piers. These totals use the typical slab piers cost, so treat them as a starting point:
| Job | Typical piers | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| One corner | 4–6 piers | $4,000–$18,000 |
| One side | 8–12 piers | $8,000–$36,000 |
| Full perimeter | 15+ piers | $15,000–$45,000 and up |
| Interior piers | Varies | $1,000–$3,000 per pier, plus floor work |
These are typical ranges, not a quote. Your exact price depends on what we find at the inspection.
What raises the cost to fix a slab foundation
Interior piers raise the cost to fix a slab foundation more than anything else, since someone has to cut through your flooring and patch it again. Here's what else moves the number:
Ask whether your estimate covers the floor repair after interior piers go in. Some bids stop at patching the concrete, and that leaves you with the tile or hardwood to redo. Those costs can be real, especially with flooring that's no longer sold. If you've got a slab with finished floors, get that part in writing before you sign.
- Plumbing leaks. They have to be found and fixed first, and that's a separate bill.
- Depth to firm soil. Deep piers take more material and time.
- Access. Decks, patios and tight side yards slow things down.
- Lift distance. More lift can mean more cosmetic repair on top.
How much to fix a cracked slab foundation that isn't moving
How much to fix a cracked slab foundation that isn't moving? Usually very little, around $250–$800 per crack if it even needs sealing. Plenty of hairline cracks don't need anything at all.
That's why we measure before we quote. If your floors are level and the crack hasn't changed in a year, it may just be concrete being concrete. Anyone selling you piers for that isn't working in your best interest.
Keep your receipts and readings either way. If you've sealed a crack and it stays closed for a few years, that record is useful when you sell.
It's also worth checking your drainage before spending anything. A downspout that dumps next to the slab can keep a crack moving, and extending it costs next to nothing.
Pier and beam foundation vs. slab cost
Comparing pier and beam foundation vs slab cost usually favors the raised home for repair, since crews can reach the structure directly. Re-shimming a raised home runs $1,500–$6,000, while slab work usually starts higher. We're talking repair here, not what it costs to build each one.
Either way, compare the scope of each bid before you compare the totals.
The trade-off is that raised homes need more upkeep over the years, and rot can raise the cost quickly. If you'd like to understand your foundation better, read about how slab homes are built. For the repair side, see fixing a slab foundation and concrete piers. You can also try the foundation repair cost calculator for a rough number.
Slab repair cost questions
Is slab foundation repair worth it?
Yes, when the slab is actually moving. Unchecked movement can crack tile, stress plumbing and hurt resale. If you've only got thin shrinkage cracks and level floors, you may not need it. Get your floors measured, and compare the number with what a buyer would ask for.
Will I need a plumbing test first?
Usually, yes. A leak under the slab can cause the movement, so it has to be ruled out before anyone lifts anything. The test pressurizes your drain lines to see if they hold. A plumber does it, and it's normally a separate bill from the foundation work.
Does slab repair come with a warranty?
Ask us for the written warranty terms for your repair. Whoever you hire, get those terms in writing, and check whether they cover only the piers or the movement too. Also ask if it transfers to the next owner, because that can matter when you sell.
How long does slab repair take?
Most slab jobs take 1–3 days. A corner with a few piers can wrap up in a day. Full perimeter jobs and interior piers take longer. Any plumbing repair has to happen first, and that can add time before we even start on the foundation.
How much does it cost to raise a slab house?
Usually $4,000 to $15,000, depending on how many piers it takes. A slab house gets raised on piers at $1,000 to $3,000 each, and the lift is included. Rough numbers go up if interior piers are needed or the slab needs to come up a long way.
Is pier and beam cheaper to repair than slab?
Usually, yes. Crews can reach pier and beam structure from underneath, and re-shimming often costs $1,500 to $6,000. Slabs have to be lifted from below on piers, which usually costs more. But a raised home with lots of rot can catch up quickly once beams need replacing.
Should I get a second estimate for slab repair?
Yes, especially on a bigger job. Two written estimates show you if the pier count and locations line up. A large gap usually means different plans, not different prices. Ask each company to explain its elevation map and why each pier goes where it does before you decide.
Run into a term you don't know? This may help: foundation terms explained.