For many, a home is their biggest investment. When its foundation starts crumbling or other structural problems rear their heads, homeowners face a dilemma — should I repair it myself or leave it to the professionals?

    Read on to learn about foundation and other structural element repairs and why DIY attempts are risky.


    What Are Structural Repairs?

    Structural repairs involve foundations, floors, columns, beams, load-bearing walls, and roofs.

    These repairs maintain the integrity of your home’s structure and prevent damage. If your home needs them and you don’t follow through, your home may become unsafe and unstable.

    Here are some examples of structural repairs:

    • Fixing cracked or crumbling foundations
    • Leveling uneven floors
    • Reinforcing load-bearing elements
    • Repairing sagging or damaged roofs
    • Replacing rotten framing

    Should I Do It Myself?

    With YouTube’s rise, more homeowners are tackling repairs themselves, but structural DIY attempts are extremely risky. If you improperly remove a load-bearing wall, sections may fall. Just caulking a foundation crack temporarily stops water — but over time, cracks will widen.

    Needing repairs means your structure is already compromised. DIY mistakes could lead to further damage. While cosmetic updates like painting are reasonable for DIYers, leave structural work to licensed professionals.

    When to Call a Professional

    Contact an expert for any structural issues with your home. Warning signs include:

    • Bowing walls
    • Cracks or other visible damage to the foundation
    • Sloping floors
    • Separated walls
    • Sticking doors or windows
    • Bulging ceilings or walls

    These issues indicate soil problems, water damage, or settling. Even minor cracks need evaluation. They can worsen over time if left unaddressed.

    Never ignore cracks or attempt DIY fixes like caulking. Call an engineer or contractor instead. They’ll assess the problem and estimate repairing cracks.


    Receive Estimates from Local Foundation Repair Experts
    Typical Price Range: $2,000 – $7,500

    What Causes Structural Damage?

    These are some primary causes of foundation and other structural damage:

    Soil shrinks when dry and expands when wet. This strains and can damage foundations.

    Excess moisture around your foundation could mean clogged gutters are spilling water nearby. Maintain your gutters to prevent issues. It could also mean insufficient sloping around your home — homebuilders recommend a six-inch rise per 10 feet of run.

    Improper initial construction, nearby tree roots, settling and erosion over time, age, and material deterioration are more causes of home structural damage. 

    Video: Protect Foundation from Water Damage

    Foundation Repair Options

    For compromised foundations, common repair techniques include:

    Pipes inserted into the ground beneath the foundation help lift and stabilize sunken areas.

    Anchor rods attached to buried plates counteract soil pressure on walls.

    Bonding carbon fiber fabric to walls forms a supportive exoskeleton.

    Steel beams or wooden studs structurally reinforce cracked walls.

    Concrete injected beneath sunken slabs lifts them.

    Mud injected under porous foundations like those made of brick fills voids and provides lift.

    An expert can recommend the right solutions for your needs and budget after assessing your structural problem. DIYers should not attempt repairs themselves.


    So, Should You DIY Structural Repair?

    Foundation and structural repairs are not DIY-friendly. Attempting these repairs yourself poses safety issues, and inadequate DIY repairs often fail prematurely, requiring extensive repair costs later.

    Always consult licensed, experienced structural contractors or engineers instead — they’ll assess and repair your issues professionally. Don’t risk compounding problems, increasing repair costs, or your home’s structural integrity.


    FAQs About Structural Repair

    What is the average cost for foundation repairs? 

    Foundation repairs usually cost $4,000 to $10,000. Sealing minor cracks is around $500. Major repairs like installing steel piers could cost $8,000 to $15,000.


    How do I know if I need a structural repair? 

    Cracks over 1/4 inch wide, gaps between walls and floors, sloping floors, sticking doors and windows, and exterior cracks indicate needed repairs.


    Is structural damage an emergency? 

    It’s not an emergency, but you must address it quickly before it worsens. The longer you wait, the higher the repair cost.


    Can I DIY structural and foundation repairs? 

    We strongly recommend against it. These repairs require engineering expertise and experience.

    How long do repairs take? Most take two to four days. Extensive repairs may take one to two weeks. Ask your contractor for time estimates.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Jonathon Jachura

    Jonathon Jachura

    Contributor

    Jonathon Jachura is a two-time homeowner with hands-on experience with HVAC, gutters, plumbing, lawn care, pest control, and other aspects of owning a home. He is passionate about home maintenance and finding the best services. His main goal is to educate others with crisp, concise descriptions that any homeowner can use. Jon uses his strong technical background to create engaging, easy-to-read, and informative guides. He does most of his home and lawn projects himself but hires professional companies for the “big things.” He knows what goes into finding the best service providers and contractors. Jon studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University in Indiana and worked in the HVAC industry for 12 years. Between his various home improvement projects, he enjoys the outdoors, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with his family.

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    photo of Lee Ann Merrill

    Lee Ann Merrill

    Chicago-based Lee Ann Merrill has decades of experience writing and editing across a wide range of technical and scientific subjects. Her love of DIY, gardening, and making led her to the realm of creating and honing quality content for homeowners. When she's not working on her craft, you can find her exploring her city by bike and plotting international adventures.

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