Foundation repair glossary

Underpinning — stabilizing a foundation by extending support deeper into the ground. Helicon's permit guide lists it among the structural work that typically requires a permit. Push pier — a steel pier driven downward using the structure's own weight; HomeCostLab prices these at $1,000–$3,000 each in 2026. Helical pier — a pier with helical plates screwed into the soil; $1,500–$3,500 each per HomeCostLab.

Slabjacking / mudjacking — pumping a slurry beneath a sunken slab to raise it; $500–$1,500 per HomeCostLab. Polyurethane foam injection — the same idea using expanding polymer; $1,000–$3,000. Wall anchor — hardware tying a bowing wall back against soil pressure; $500–$1,000 each. Carbon fiber strip — reinforcement bonded to a wall's interior face; $300–$700 each.

Expansive soil — clay-rich soil whose minerals absorb water and increase in volume by ten percent or more, then shrink when dry, applying repetitive stress to structures, per Geology.com. Grade beam — a horizontal concrete beam supporting foundation walls; Helicon lists replacing grade beams among work that typically needs a permit.

Structural engineer — a licensed professional who assesses structures and can specify required repairs without selling them. Today's Homeowner puts foundation inspections by an engineer at $400–$1,500 and hourly rates at roughly $70–$250. Free inspection — in this industry, almost always a sales visit by a company that profits only if you buy a repair.

How to choose

Ask for definitions in the quote itself

If a line item uses a term you cannot define, you cannot evaluate the price. Ask.

Watch for terms used interchangeably

"Leveling," "lifting" and "stabilizing" mean different things and imply different outcomes. Pin down which one is being promised.

Beware proprietary product names

Branded system names can obscure whether you are getting a push pier, a helical pier or something else. Ask which category it falls in.

Know the diagnosis words

"Settlement," "heave" and "lateral movement" describe different behaviors. A quote should say which one it is addressing.