How much does it cost to raise a sunken floor?

Author: Miss Ernestina Thiel MD  |  Last update: Sunday, May 4, 2025

The cost to raise a sunken living room is $12,000 on average, but it can cost between $5,000 and $25,000, depending on project size and specifics and materials.

How much does it cost to level a sunken floor?

The typical costs for repairing sagging floors start at $1000 and can go up to $10,000, with the average rate being around $300 per square foot. But this can vary depending on the extent of the damage and materials needed to get the job done.

Can you raise a sunken floor?

It should actually be quite simple. Rip out the sunken flooring and frame it up to level with the surrounding flooring. Once you're into it, if you have any specific questions about how to do it, this sub is always here to help. Make sure you're prepared to post pics if so.

What is the cheapest way to raise floor height?

Put down a layer of duroroc or cement board, which will fill up a good chunk of the height for cheap. Then some self leveling compound for the remainder, which means a safer cheaper single 3/4 inch pour.

How much does it cost to fix a caved-in floor?

The average cost to repair a sunken floor ranges from $2,000 to $20,000, depending on the extent of the issue.

Raising Sunk-in Floors...How & What Does it Cost??

How much does it cost to raise a sagging floor?

The average sagging floor repair cost is $5,500. Most homeowners pay between $1,000 and $8,500. Costs vary greatly depending on the type and extent of the damage.

Are sagging floors covered by insurance?

Does home insurance cover foundation movement or sagging floors? Foundation damage caused by shifting or settling earth or sagging floors caused by rotting floor joists are typically not covered by homeowners insurance. If the damage is caused by flooding or an earthquake, you'll typically require separate coverage.

Is it expensive to raise a floor?

Assuming a living room size of 400 square feet, it would cost approximately $2,400 to fill in and raise an existing sunken floor six inches. You can expect to pay about $6 per square foot to remove the step, excluding the cost of finishing and flooring.

Can you raise a sagging floor?

In order to lift a sagging floor, install a screw jack and beam underneath to push the damaged sagging joist(s) up. A screw jack is essentially a metal support post that raises or lowers by the turning of a threaded steel pipe that's inside of it (hydraulic jacks are often used for this purpose as well).

What is the best material to raise floors?

The most popular and widely used types of raised floors are steel, aluminum and polymer. Each of these has its pros and cons. Polymer raised access floors are the most modern product that has primarily covered the weaknesses of its previous generations.

How do you fix sunken flooring?

There are multiple ways to fix a floor that sags and dips.
  1. Pour Self-Leveling Underlayment. Pour self-leveling underlayment in the problem area. ...
  2. Sister the Joists. ...
  3. Prop Up the Joists. ...
  4. Lay Down New Hardwood.

Are sunken living rooms making a comeback?

Sunken living rooms are making a triumphant comeback, bringing back the charm and elegance of a bygone era. This design trend, once popular in the 1960s and 1970s, is now experiencing a resurgence in modern interior design.

What to do with a sinking floor?

Fix: Implementing proper drainage systems and repairing leaks can mitigate water damage. In some cases, slab jacking, which involves injecting a mixture beneath the slab to raise it, can correct the sinking.

Who to call for sinking floor?

Sagging floors usually indicate subflooring and floor joist issues. These repairs are significant and require the expertise of a carpenter—not a handyperson. Before laying down finished floors, hire a local carpenter specializing in unfinished work to help you with this major home improvement project.

How much does it cost to jack up a house to level floor?

The cost of jacking up a house typically ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on various factors. Key factors affecting the cost include house size, foundation type, soil conditions, and regional labor rates. Average costs vary across different regions, with coastal areas often incurring higher expenses.

Should I buy a house with sagging floors?

However, the uneven floor may be an indicator of a larger, unseen problem with the house. If your potential new home has buckling floors, you should immediately consult a home inspector to investigate the root of the problem.

What is the cheapest way to raise a floor?

If you want to raise the height of a floor, the cheapest and easiest way is to add a thick underlayment designed for the job.

How much to fix a sinking floor?

Depending on the material, homeowners can expect to pay between $130 and $2,300 for repairs or between $800 and $10,000 for a replacement. Reusing flooring materials is one way to save on sagging floor repair cost, but this isn't always possible.

Is it safe to live in the house with sagging floors?

Sagging floors are a sign of serious damage to the joists beneath your home and the structure of your home overall. Left untended, this can lead to injury, property loss, and disaster. Worse, insurance companies often will not pay for such losses or repairs if you ignored the issue once the early signs became visible.

How much does it cost to raise a sunken living room floor?

The cost to raise a sunken living room is $12,000 on average, but it can cost between $5,000 and $25,000, depending on project size and specifics and materials.

Why is there a dip in my floor?

When your floor drops, dips, or slopes, it often means you need floor joist repair near you to address sagging floor joists. Because the ends of floor joists rest on the sill plate, water damage often spreads from the sill plate to the floor joists. Another common issue—especially in older homes—is notched joists.

What is the life expectancy of a raised floor?

Raised Floor Lifespan

With this in mind, raised access floors generally last around 25 years. However, we recommend that businesses begin considering replacement as floors reach the 20-year mark. Pushing the limits of a floor's lifespan can lead to potentially expensive consequences.

Can I fix sagging floors myself?

Sagging floors are almost always a sign of a deeper structural problem that needs to be fixed. While it's possible to perform an inspection yourself, the job is better left to a trained professional.

How to get insurance to pay for new flooring?

Dwelling coverage, on your condo or homeowners policy, may pay to repair or replace your floors and carpet if they're damaged by a covered peril. For instance, if your home's floors are damaged in a fire, your home insurance may pay for new flooring, up to your policy's limits and minus your deductible.

How much weight can a floor support before it collapses?

Safety factor is a measurement with which your floor was designed to support loads without collapsing. Most homes have a safety factor of 40 PSF (pounds per square foot).

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