Basements & Foundations

Your basement and foundation are the roots of your home, so it’s important to know about common problems that could affect them. From basement flooding to a cracked foundation, and everything in between—our expert insights will keep you informed.

Two fathers and their children watch tv in basement
Photo: 10'000 Hours / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Two fathers and their children watch tv in basement
Photo: 10'000 Hours / DigitalVision / Getty Images
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From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
View from beach house looking at the ocean
Em Norton
•
Apr 17, 2024
Apr 17, 2024
Whether trying to protect it or transport it, raising a house is no small feat. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the cost to raise a house.
Exposed ceiling support beams in home
Ginny Bartolone
•
Nov 17, 2023
Nov 17, 2023
The cost to replace a main house support beam may feel like a weight on your shoulders, but don't fret. Read the breakdown here, from materials to labor.
The exterior of a natural stone house
Dan Simms
•
Jul 16, 2024
Jul 16, 2024
Unstable or sinking foundations require comprehensive and expensive solutions. Learn about foundation underpinning costs in this guide to set your budget.
Man examining brick foundation
Anna Baluch
•
Jul 2, 2024
Jul 2, 2024
Need foundation repair but not sure if insurance will cover the damage? Learn why it’s complicated and how to know when your foundation repairs are covered.
Light spacious basement
Ginny Bartolone
•
Jul 15, 2024
Jul 15, 2024
Unsure if a crawl space or a basement foundation is better? Learn about the pros and cons of each, how they compare, and which is better for your home.
The exterior of a colonial house on an autumn day
Dan Simms
•
Aug 13, 2024
Aug 13, 2024
All foundations settle, but some can develop related structural issues. Use this guide to identify foundation settlement and determine when to take action.
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An open-space living room and kitchen located in a house’s basement
Mizuki Hisaka  •  Aug 22, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2024 Data]
If you’re building a new home, you might need to consider the cost of digging out a basement. Use this pricing guide to get an estimate for the project.
An encapsulated crawl space
Ginny Bartolone  •  Aug 21, 2024
Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Add Value to Your Home?
Before investing in a pricey vapor barrier, does crawl space encapsulation add value to your home? The answer is a little more complicated than you expect.
Basement living room interior
Dan Simms  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does Basement Waterproofing Cost? [2024 Data]
Need to fix basement water problems or safeguard your home from damage in the future? Use this basement waterproofing cost guide to estimate your cost.
The exterior of a brick house
Rachel Hoffman  •  Aug 21, 2024
Parts of a House Foundation: Key Components Explained
Knowing the parts that make up your home’s foundation can help you keep it in good shape. Learn the parts of a house foundation and what each one does.
Front porch of new home
Dan Simms  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Thick Should a Foundation Be?
How thick a foundation should be depends on a few factors. Learn about minimum thicknesses for different foundation types and soils in this guide.
two story family home
Lauren Bongard  •  Aug 21, 2024
Is Earthquake Retrofitting Worth It? Stay Safe and Boost Your Home’s Value
Is earthquake retrofitting worth the cost and time? Learn whether seismic updates are a smart idea for your home and how to do it right.
A spacious bathroom
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  Aug 21, 2024
What Does Water Damage Look Like? Key Warning Signs
What does water damage look like in a home? If you suspect that leaks, flooding, or constant moisture have caused water damage at your house, this guide to spotting water damage will help you determine if you need to take action.
A bright wooden bathroom
Nick Crawford  •  Aug 16, 2024
What Is a Home Flood Detection System?
A home flood detection system can act as the first line of defense against water damage to your home. Find out how these systems work and if you need one.
Two big trees in the backyard of a house
Jouviane Alexandre  •  Aug 14, 2024
How Tree Roots Can Impact Your Home’s Foundation
Can tree roots damage a foundation? Learn what kind of problems tree roots can cause and the best way to prevent and repair foundation damage.
A typical crawl space
Rachel Hoffman  •  Aug 13, 2024
7 Crawl Space Maintenance Tips for a Safe and Dry Home
Crawl space maintenance is a necessary part of keeping your home protected and energy-efficient. Follow these tips to properly maintain your crawl space.
Pier and beam foundation
Dan Simms  •  Aug 13, 2024
How Much Does Pier and Beam Foundation Repair Cost? [2024 Data]
Worrying about pier and beam foundation repair costs? Get a better understanding of how to budget by learning about the repair methods available to you.
The exterior of a colonial house on an autumn day
Dan Simms  •  Aug 13, 2024
What Is Foundation Settlement, and What Causes It?
All foundations settle, but some can develop related structural issues. Use this guide to identify foundation settlement and determine when to take action.