When weighing a helixed piers system against traditional concrete footings, buyers typically compare total project cost, installation time, and soil compatibility. The main cost drivers are material costs, labor time, site accessibility, and any required permits or inspections. This guide presents cost ranges in USD, with clear low–average–high figures and per-unit pricing where relevant.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helical Piers System (materials) | $1,200 | $2,100 | $4,000 | Includes piers, sleeves, fittings |
| Concrete Footings (materials) | $800 | $2,400 | $5,000 | Includes concrete, rebar, forms |
| Installation Labor (per pier) | $300 | $580 | $1,000 | Helical: fewer hours; Footings: more form work |
| Soil Evaluation & Permits | $100 | $450 | $1,200 | Variation by jurisdiction |
| Subtotal (typical 6 piers) | $3,900 | $9,200 | $20,000 | Assumes moderate-to-high load |
| Delivery/Equipment & Overhead | $150 | $450 | $1,200 | Includes crane or auger |
| Warranty & Maintenance | $0 | $150 | $600 | Limited vs extended |
Overview Of Costs
Cost for helix piers typically ranges from $1,200 to $4,000 for materials, with total project costs for a typical home foundation around $3,500 to $25,000 depending on load, soil, and number of piers. For concrete footings, material costs usually fall in the $800 to $5,000 range, while total projects commonly run $2,000 to $25,000. Price per pier for helicals tends to be $300–$1,000, and concrete footings can be $150–$900 per footing, depending on size and depth. Assumptions: residential scale, standard loads, accessible site.
Cost Breakdown
| Column | Helical Piers | Concrete Footings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,200–$4,000 | $800–$5,000 | Helicals: steel shafts; Footings: concrete mix |
| Labor | $2,000–$6,000 | $3,500–$12,000 | Helicals require less form work |
| Equipment | $150–$1,200 | $200–$1,000 | Augers vs forms/cranes |
| Permits | $50–$800 | $50–$1,200 | Jurisdiction dependent |
| Delivery/Disposal | $50–$200 | $100–$400 | Site access matters |
| Warranty | $0–$350 | $0–$600 | Length varies |
| Contingency | $100–$1,000 | $200–$1,500 | Planning risk |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours. A mini formula: data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> illustrates how labor drives totals in both approaches.
Factors That Affect Price
Soil conditions strongly influence both systems. In dense or expansive clay, footings may require deeper pours and rebar, raising costs by 20–40%. In rocky or tree-root-heavy soils, helicals can reduce digging time and material waste, potentially saving 15–30% vs footings. Load requirements for multi-story additions or heavy equipment foundations may push either method toward higher quantities of piers or deeper footings.
Cost Drivers
Key drivers include pier quantity, pier depth, and the required uplift resistance. For helicals, crane or auger access and soil strata (sand, clay, bedrock) determine drive speed and manpower, with typical installation times of 1–2 hours per pier in simple soils, or 3–5 hours per pier in challenging sites. For concrete footings, the critical factors are footing size (width/depth), form-work complexity, and concrete delivery timing. At a higher level, the decision hinges on durability needs, frost depth, and long-term maintenance expectations.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to labor markets and material costs. In the Northeast, helix piers often carry a 5–12% premium over the national average because of stricter building codes. The Midwest may see 0–8% savings due to lower labor rates, while the West Coast frequently experiences 8–15% higher costs due to transport and permit fees. These regional deltas apply to both helicals and footings, but helicals typically scale more predictably with soil conditions.
Labor & Installation Time
Helical piers generally require less excavation and form work, translating to shorter install times. Typical crew sizes range from 2–4 workers, with total labor hours per project often 10–40% lower than concrete footings for equivalent loads. For projects with tight access, the savings can exceed 50% in labor hours, though mobilization costs may offset some of that advantage.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs can shift budgets quickly. Helical pier projects may incur extra charges for soil testing if unusual strata are found or for oversized piers to meet high uplift resistance. Concrete footing jobs can trigger additional costs for trenching, backfill, and frost-protected or insulated footings. Permitting, inspections, and structural engineer letters are common line items that affect both approaches.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical ranges across common conditions. Basic represents minimal site disruption and standard loads; Mid-Range includes moderate soil variance and a modest number of piers; Premium covers complex soils or higher design loads.
Scenario Cards
Basic — 6 helicals, light load, average soil, accessible site: Materials $1,600; Labor $2,400; Equipment $200; Permits $200; Total $4,400.
Mid-Range — 8 footings, mid-range load, clay soil with moderate depth: Materials $4,000; Labor $6,000; Equipment $400; Permits $500; Total $10,900.
Premium — 12 helicals or deep footings, high uplift design, restricted access: Materials $6,500; Labor $9,000; Equipment $1,000; Permits $1,000; Total $17,500.
Ways To Save
Coordinate schedules to minimize mobilization costs and request bundled pricing that covers design, permits, and installation. Consider weather windows to avoid delays that extend project duration. For soils that are favorable to helicals, you may lock in lower per-pier rates by committing to a fixed scope. If frost depth is a concern, selecting a pier system with proven frost resistance can reduce long-term maintenance costs, offsetting higher upfront prices.