Des Moines, Iowa
Foundation Repair Cost in Des Moines
“Foundation repair” covers everything from sealing one crack to lifting a sinking corner of the house. Here’s what each repair costs, what moves the price, and what to check before you sign.
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This Old House puts the typical foundation repair between $2,224 and $8,134, with an average of about $5,179.
That average is a starting point, but your number depends on what’s actually wrong. Sealing a single crack might cost a few hundred dollars. Lifting a house that’s sinking can run $20,000 or more. The type and extent of the damage usually matter more than the home’s total square footage.
Costs
Cost by type of repair
Find the repair you’ve been told you need, then check the range.
| Repair | Typical published cost |
|---|---|
| Crack filling or injection | $250 to $800 |
| Concrete slab leveling (mudjacking or slabjacking) | $550 to $1,300 |
| Sealing and waterproofing | $2,300 to $7,300 |
| Interior drain tile | $60 to $120 per linear foot |
| Sump pump, installed | $1,200 to $2,500 |
| Wall reinforcement strips (12 strips) | $4,000 to $12,000 |
| Piers, for settling | $1,000 to $3,000 per pier |
| Major lifting and leveling | $20,000 to $23,000 or more |
| Crawl space encapsulation | $1,500 to $15,000 |
| Shallow yard French drain | $10 to $65 per linear foot |
Each one has its own page if you want the details: foundation crack repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation and French drains.
What drives the price up or down
Most of the bill is labor, equipment and access, not materials. This Old House puts foundation labor at about $200 an hour.
- How much of the foundation is affected. One corner costs far less than two full walls. This is the biggest factor.
- How bad it is. A stable crack is cheap. A wall that’s still moving, or a corner that’s sinking, is not.
- Soil conditions. Pier depth depends on reaching suitable load-bearing soil. Site conditions and engineering assessments help determine the expected depth, but the final installation may require adjustments.
- Access. Narrow side yards, tight crawl spaces, and spots where a machine can’t reach all mean more hand work.
- What’s in the way. Decks, patios, driveways, AC units and landscaping may have to come out and go back.
- Finished basements. Drywall, flooring and framing may need to come out to reach the wall.
- Permits. This Old House puts permits at $75 to $150, depending on location and scope.
Plan for surprises. This Old House suggests budgeting an extra $1,000 to $2,500 for things like tree roots or old repairs nobody knew about.
Inspection and engineer costs
Before you spend thousands, it can pay to find out exactly what’s wrong.
| Service | Typical published cost |
|---|---|
| Foundation inspection | $300 to $1,000 (about $600 average) |
| Structural engineer report | $500 to $1,000 |
| Soil report (geotechnical engineer) | $500 to $3,000 |
An engineer’s inspection and written report may be included in one fee or priced separately, so ask what the quoted amount covers.
Many repair companies offer free inspections. That’s useful, but they’re also the ones selling the repair. An engineer who isn’t affiliated with the repair company can provide an independent assessment, and lets you compare quotes on the same problem.
Is there a “Des Moines price”?
Not a reliable one. We looked, and we couldn’t find a recent, well-documented price survey for foundation repair in Des Moines specifically.
So we use current national figures and say so. The real number for your house comes from a contractor looking at your foundation in person.
What to check before you sign a quote
A lower quote isn’t always the better deal if important work has been left out. Before comparing prices, ask about:
- Putting things back. Is restoring drywall, flooring, trim and landscaping included, or extra?
- The sump pit and pump. On drainage quotes, is it included in the price?
- Pier depth. What happens if the piers need to go deeper than planned, and what does that cost?
- Cleanup. Is hauling away dirt and debris included?
- Engineering. Is an engineer’s design or sign-off included, and who pays for it?
- Permits. Who pulls them, and are they in the price?
If two quotes don’t cover the same things, you’re not comparing the same job.
Then read the warranty
- Who backs it
- Whether it transfers if you sell the house
- What the transfer fee and deadline are
- What voids it
“Changes in soil conditions” is a common exclusion.
Permits in Des Moines depend on the type of repair. Call the Permit and Development Center at 515-283-4200 or ask your contractor to confirm before work starts.
Common questions
Does house size affect foundation repair cost?
Usually less than you’d think. The type and extent of the damage usually matter more than the home’s total square footage. A per-square-foot price for your whole house isn’t a good way to judge a repair quote.
What’s the cheapest way to fix a sunken concrete slab?
For sidewalks, patios, steps or a garage floor, mudjacking or slabjacking is often the cheapest fix. This Old House puts it at $550 to $1,300. It lifts the slab by pumping material underneath.
This applies to suitable concrete slabs, not to lifting a house’s foundation. It also won’t fix a slab that’s still sinking because of a bigger soil or drainage problem.
How long does foundation repair take?
It depends on the job. Crack injection is often done in a day. Piers or wall reinforcement usually take a few days. Bigger jobs take longer once you add engineering, permits and inspections. Ask the contractor for the timeline in writing.
How many quotes should I get?
Get more than one if you can, and make sure they’re quoting the same problem. An independent engineer’s report makes that easier, because every contractor is working from the same diagnosis.
Will homeowners insurance pay for it?
Often not, but it depends on the cause and your policy. Gradual settling and soil movement are commonly excluded. Read your policy and talk to your agent. Our foundation repair and insurance page explains what to look for.
Is it worth fixing a foundation before selling?
Buyers and inspectors notice foundation problems, and an unexplained one gives buyers a reason to negotiate or walk away. If you do fix it, keep the paperwork: the invoice, warranty and any engineer’s letter.
Get a quote from a Des Moines foundation repair contractor
The only price that really matters is the one for your house. Tell us what you’re seeing: cracks, sticking doors, sloping floors or water.
We’ll connect you with an independent local contractor. They can discuss the problem with you and explain the next steps toward an estimate.
Sources
- This Old House, foundation repair cost, updated October 8, 2026
- This Old House, foundation inspection cost
- This Old House, basement waterproofing cost, for drain tile and sump pumps
- This Old House, crawl space encapsulation cost
- LawnStarter, French drain cost, checked November 2026