Calculating in Advance: How Much Will It Cost to Repair a Bowed Basement Wall?

When a person hears they could have to pay $10,000 or more to fix a foundation issue at their residence, they may be tempted to simply turn the property over to the lender and walk away. Fortunately, the average person only spends around $4,200 to fix the problem. A slight crack might only cost a few hundred dollars while major repairs that involve the use of hydraulic piers run much higher. What should one expect to pay if a basement wall is bowing, and what problems should be addressed during this repair?

The Cause

Bowed walls are often a sign of high humidity in the basement. This portion of the home typically doesn’t receive much air or sun, leading to a buildup of humidity in the space. Mold may begin to grow and accumulate in the walls and bowing could be seen. The best way to avoid this issue is to install a dehumidifier in the basement and ensure it remains running. This helps to remove the excess moisture and prevent problems of this type. Next, the homeowner should book services from Helitech to learn what repairs are needed.

The Repair

Once a wall begins to bow, steps need to be taken to fix the problem. The method used depends on the type of wall that is present. Sheetrock may need to be removed so any mold that is present can be cleaned. Steel beams or support posts will likely have to be placed to reinforce the wall, and any concrete that is damaged must be repaired or replaced. An experienced foundation repair provider can be of great help in identifying the extent of the damage and determine a plan to restore the wall and supporting structures.

Furthermore, soil conditions around the foundation need to be analyzed, as they contribute to the problem. It may be an issue of weak fill, insufficient drainage could be contributing to the bowed wall, or it might be a case of expansive clay. Any issues with the soil must be rectified at this time to be certain the problem doesn’t happen again. A failure to address these issues can lead to bowed walls in the future.

The Cost

There is truly no way of estimating how much it will cost to fix the wall that is bowing. The reason for this is too many factors come into play when calculating the cost. For example, certain repairs are very minor and won’t cost much at all. However, the surrounding foundation might need to be replaced and reinforced. In that type of situation, a homeowner should expect to pay a great deal more. Not only will the problems with the structure need to be corrected, but soil issues that are leading to the problems must be addressed as well.

To ensure a fair repair bid is obtained, speak to a minimum of three contractors. Be sure to require a written estimate from each contractor. Compare these estimates to see what materials will be used, what work is to be completed during the project, who is responsible for different tasks, and more. This ensures there are no surprises when the work is done. For example, no homeowner wants to learn they have spent money correcting the foundation problem but the soil issues haven’t been addressed. More money will need to be spent to fix the soil conditions. By requiring detailed, written estimates, this problem can be avoided.