Comparison · Updated Nov 5, 2026
Foundation repair methods compared: what each costs and when it fits
Eight common foundation repair methods, what each costs in 2026, where it fits, and its limits. Use this to read any quote with confidence.
| Method | 2026 cost | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piering / underpinning | $1,000–$3,000 per pier (source) | Settling slabs and footings | Total grows with pier count |
| Mudjacking / slab-jacking | $500–$1,300 (source) | A sunken slab section | Doesn't add deep support |
| Reshimming (pier and beam) | $1,200–$4,000 (source) | Minor settling under a crawl space home | May need repeating on expansive clay |
| Beam replacement | $400–$1,200 per beam (source) | Rotted or damaged beams | Doesn't fix the cause of moisture |
| Foundation crack repair | $250–$800 (source) | Non-structural cracks | Won't stop ongoing movement |
| Reinforcement strips | $4,000–$12,000 (source) | Walls that need reinforcing | Mainly for basement and block walls |
| Drainage system | $2,800–$6,500 (source) | Water pooling or soil moisture swings | Often paired with other fixes |
| House lifting | $20,000–$23,000 (source) | Severe damage or replacement | Most invasive option |
How contractors choose a method
On San Antonio's expansive clay (TDLR), the key question is whether the soil is heaving, settling, or both, and why. A good inspection checks elevations, drainage, plumbing and the home's history before recommending anything.
Red flags in a method recommendation
- A method chosen before anyone measured elevations.
- No explanation of the cause.
- Pressure to sign the same day.
- No written warranty terms.
Compare pier types, or estimate a job with the cost calculator.
Want a real number for your home?
Calculators and guides give ranges. A free inspection from one vetted, independent local contractor gives you a written quote. No cost, no obligation.
Get my free inspection →Frequently asked questions
What is the most common foundation repair method?
For a settling slab on expansive clay, piers are a common recommendation. But drainage fixes or crack repair alone may be enough in some cases. An inspection should explain why a method fits your home.
Is mudjacking a permanent fix?
Mudjacking lifts a sunken slab section and is far cheaper ($500–$1,300, Angi), but it doesn't add deep support. Ask whether it addresses the cause of the movement.
Keep reading
- Foundation repair cost in San Antonio: the 2026 guide
- Pier and beam vs slab foundation repair: cost, pros and cons
- 7 signs you need foundation repair in San Antonio
- Steel vs concrete piers: costs and trade-offs compared
- How to choose a foundation repair company in San Antonio: a checklist
- Foundation repair cost calculator
- House leveling and pier cost calculator
Sources cited on this page: Angi, How Much Does Foundation Repair Cost? (updated Oct 26, 2026); Angi, How Much Does Pier and Beam Foundation Repair Cost? (updated Sep 18, 2026); Texas Master Naturalist, Alamo Area Chapter: Bexar County Soils; Texas Dept. of Licensing & Regulation, Technical Bulletin IHB TB 10-01 (Foundations on Expansive Soils). Cost figures are national, not San Antonio quotes.
LevelSATX Foundation Network connects San Antonio homeowners with vetted, independent foundation repair contractors. We don't perform repairs; participating contractors pay us for referrals.