Signs & symptoms

Foundation Settlement

Q: How much does foundation repair cost?

According to This Old House , most foundation repair projects range from $2,000 to $10,000 , depending on the size of the home, the type of foundation, and the severity of the damage. Small crack repairs may fall near the lower end, while structural issues that require stabilization or piering will be higher. Every home is different, but a professional inspection can help identify the most cost-effective path forward.

You may not see your foundation settling at first.

Schedule free inspection All signs & symptoms

Resolve Your Structural Problems Related to Foundation Settlement

You may not see your foundation settling at first. It may be months or even years before you notice! However, the long-term damage of this issue is ongoing and only lends itself to more foundation problems.

No one wants to worry about their foundation, but if you can identify the root cause of settling early on, you’ll save yourself from costly future repairs. Anchored Walls will find the cause of your foundation settlement and provide professional and prompt solutions.

Repair options for your home.

Causes of Foundation Settlement

The structural problem of foundation settlement can be attributed to several contributing factors. These factors encompass: Poorly compacted soil: When the soil beneath a foundation is not adequately compacted during construction, it can compress and shift over time, leading to foundation settlement. Expansive soils: Certain types of soil, known as expansive soils, tend to expand and contract with changes in moisture content. This repeated swelling and shrinking can exert pressure on the foundation, causing it to settle unevenly. Poor drainage: Insufficient or ineffective drainage systems can result in the accumulation of water near the foundation. The excess moisture can weaken the soil, leading to foundation settlement. Understanding these numerous factors is crucial in identifying the root cause of foundation settlement and determining the appropriate measures for repair and prevention.

Foundation Settlement Repair Options

Anchored Walls in Des Moines provides practical solutions to repair your foundation settlement. Depending on the severity of the settlement, we will recommend a custom repair method.

Helical Piers

Helical piers are robust steel plates designed to stabilize and fortify the foundation of your home. These plates feature helical blades that are expertly screwed into the ground, effectively anchoring the foundation, and providing essential support. By utilizing helical piers, the risk of further settlement is minimized, ensuring the structural integrity of your home is safeguarded.

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Underpinning

Installing push piers can effectively stabilize and lift settled foundations, helping restore the structure to its original position. The piers distribute the weight of the building evenly, preventing further settlement and potential structural damage.

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Wall Anchors

Wall anchors are sturdy steel plates specifically employed to bolster the strength of your foundation. These plates are affixed to the walls and interconnected with anchor rods driven deep into the adjoining soil. This strategic installation creates a powerful connection between the foundation and the surrounding ground, providing essential support and reinforcement to ensure the stability and durability of the structure.

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Strengthen Your Foundation with Anchored Walls

Adding support to your foundation ensures no future damage will occur because of foundation settlement. These repairs also give you peace of mind that your home is safe. Let Anchored Walls ease your mind with our professional foundation settlement repair services. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate.

Google reviews

What homeowners say.

4.9 / 5 from 286 Google reviews.

★★★★★ Google

From the project manager through all the folks working this huge mess, I am so thankful for the job that was completed. Kyle and team put up with all my questions and dealt with temporary fencing for my dogs. Always rrspectful and polite. I can't rate them or Anchored Walls high enough! Also Deb in the office keeping me updated and answering more questions. Lucas and Carson putting in the sump pump. If you have basement issues, definitely call this company!!

Kelly L. Verified Google review · Winterset, IA · Oct 2026

★★★★★ Google

After getting bids and talking with a few different contractors regarding what we needed for waterproofing our basement, I was feeling pretty overwhelmed, anxious and stressed out. Elliott was a breath of fresh air. He's a very nice, respectful guy. He is very knowledgeable and was easy to talk to. After speaking with him, I felt more at ease and less anxious about the whole process. Because of Elliott, we plan to move forward with Anchored Walls for our basement waterproofing.

M. E. Verified Google review · Winterset, IA · Oct 2026

★★★★★ Google

The teams did an excellent job. Walker, Sopheak, Brad, Deb were great to work with. The anchors are very solid, well engineered.

Brent N. Verified Google review · Winterset, IA · Oct 2026

Experienced hands. A clear plan.

Helping Iowa homeowners since 1978.

A repair plan built around your home.
Start with a free inspection. We explain what we find and put the recommended work in writing, so you can make an informed decision.

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★★★★★Google review

“Anchored Walls did anchors and a full water-proofing system on my dad’s lake house. They were so great to work with from their sales team (Matt), to their front office (Maddy & Deb), their production manager (Lucas), and the foreman and his crew (Kyle & Sopheak). Their GM, Brad, even checked in to make sure everything…”

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was running smoothly and there were no concerns. The customer service was above and beyond my expectations. I would 100% recommend this company for any of your foundation needs!”

Becky P.Verified Google review · Winterset, IA · Jan 2026

Lifetime transferable warranty

Protection that stays with the home, including when ownership changes. See the written warranty for covered work.

Money-back guarantee

Your money is never at risk. We stand behind our work with a written money-back guarantee.

Five-star service guarantee

A clear plan, respectful crews, and a commitment to the experience as well as the repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there mold in my crawl space?

Mold is a result of excessive moisture in the crawl space of your home. It’s very important that you take care of a moldy crawl space problem as soon as you notice that something is wrong. If left untreated, mold can cause a number of problems for the structural integrity of your home, as well as your family’s health. If you don’t repair your foundation, water will eventually seep in. This causes an assortment of additional problems for the structural integrity of your home.

How much does foundation repair cost?

According to This Old House, most foundation repair projects range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the size of the home, the type of foundation, and the severity of the damage. Small crack repairs may fall near the lower end, while structural issues that require stabilization or piering will be higher. Every home is different, but a professional inspection can help identify the most cost-effective path forward.

Are foundation cracks serious or just cosmetic?

Some small, vertical cracks may be normal settling, but if a crack is widening, leaking water, or forming a stair-step or horizontal pattern, it could signal a structural issue. It’s always best to have cracks professionally evaluated to determine whether repair is needed.

If I don't repair my foundation, what could happen?

If you don’t repair your foundation, water will eventually seep in. This causes an assortment of additional problems for the structural integrity of your home.

What causes foundation problems in the first place?

Most foundation issues are caused by changes in the soil around your home. Drought, heavy rain, poor drainage, and construction on improperly compacted soil can all lead to movement under your foundation. Over time, this movement creates stress on the structure and leads to cracks, shifting, or settling.

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Helical Tiebacks for Bowed Foundation Walls

In many cases, traditional wall anchors provide reliable support, but not every property has the space required for exterior anchor installation.

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Preconstruction Helical Pier Installation

By installing helical piers before the concrete slab or footing is poured, we can create a stable foundation system that reaches deep into more reliable soil.

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Helical Pier Deck Repair

Our trusted Iowa-based team installs helical pier systems to permanently stabilize and restore decks with foundation problems.

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Waler Beam System for Bowed Basement Wall Repair

Severely bowed or leaning foundation walls are often caused by hydrostatic pressure—when water-saturated soil expands and presses against the outside of the foundation.

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A local team for your Iowa home.

From our Winterset location, we serve Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Johnston, Urbandale, Clive, Ames, and surrounding communities. Check your ZIP for service at your address.

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