What is the Cost of Replacing a Caved in Basement Foundation?

Basic Cost Ranges

• A small basement crack repair can range in cost from $50 to $100 or more. However, a cave-in in which a large section of mortar blocks or the foundation structure itself has been pushed in, will cost much more, up to $10,000 for larger repairs and $25,00 for a very large cave-in. There are several degrees of damage, however.

Smaller Cave Ins

• A small cave-in, in which just a few cinder blocks have fallen into the basement, may only cost $1,000 to $2,000 to repair. In some cases, if you can hire a mason to do the repair at a cheap rate, you may find yourself spending $500 or less. The repair will involve replacing the cinder blocks and using mortar to secure them in place.

Larger Cave Ins

• A large cave-in involves several cinder blocks. In very large cave-ins, an entire side or more of the foundation will be destroyed. In this case, the repair is a very large job. Costs can range upwards of $25,000 depending on the size of the job, materials needed to repair the damage and costs of the equipment required. Hydraulic lifts, excavators and other foundation equipment may be required for larger cave-ins.

Materials and Labor

• The cost will involve materials needed to repair the cave-in. Mortar and cinder blocks are relatively cheap, costing anywhere from $2 to $10 per square yard or material. However, labor and additional costs will add to your total bill. A mason helper alone earns anywhere from $12 to $23 an hour. There may be several hands needed to repair your basement cave-in depending on how severe it is.

Equipment Costs

• If you hire a contractor, you may not see the breakdown of labor costs, but this will be part of your total bill. Much or your costs will be for the equipment needed to repair the basement cave in. An excavator may be required to remove the broken cinder blocks. Specialized vacuums may be used to clear out debris and water in the basement. In addition, lifts to hoist the house up during the repair, which can cost $5,000 itself, will add to your final bill.