If you own a home in Star, Idaho and suspect foundation damage, one of the first questions on your mind is likely: how much will foundation repair cost? The answer depends on several factors specific to our area of Ada County — including the type of foundation your home sits on, the severity of the damage, and the unique soil conditions found throughout the Treasure Valley. This guide breaks down real-world pricing for Star homeowners based on 2026 market rates.
Star has experienced explosive growth over the past decade, with the population jumping from roughly 11,466 in 2020 to over 18,200 today. Many of the homes built during this boom — particularly in subdivisions like Valor, Moon Valley Estates, and Canopi Estates — were constructed on former agricultural land where deep loess (wind-deposited silt) deposits had never been disturbed. As these soils settle and respond to Idaho's freeze-thaw cycles, foundation issues are becoming increasingly common across Star and the broader Ada County region.
Foundation Repair Pricing in Star, Idaho — At a Glance
| Repair Type | Typical Cost Range | Average in Star |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete Pressed Piers | $4,000 – $12,000 | $7,500 |
| Steel Pier Installation | $6,000 – $15,000 | $10,000 |
| Slab Foundation Repair | $3,500 – $15,000 | $8,500 |
| Crawl Space Repair | $2,000 – $8,000 | $4,500 |
| Drainage Solutions | $1,500 – $6,000 | $3,200 |
| Foundation Crack Repair | $500 – $3,000 | $1,400 |
What Drives Foundation Repair Costs in Star, Idaho?
Soil Conditions Unique to Star and Ada County
Star sits on deep deposits of loess — fine, wind-deposited silt that blankets much of the Treasure Valley. Unlike the expansive clay soils found in other regions, loess is particularly susceptible to settlement when it becomes saturated with water. Below the loess layer, volcanic basalt creates an impermeable barrier that can trap moisture and cause hydrostatic pressure against foundations. These layered soil conditions in Star mean that foundation repairs often require piers driven deeper than in other parts of Idaho — which can increase costs by 15–25% compared to areas with more stable soils.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles — Idaho's Primary Foundation Threat
Star experiences significant freeze-thaw cycling throughout the winter months. Temperatures in Ada County regularly swing from below freezing at night to above freezing during the day from November through March. Each cycle causes the moisture-laden loess soil to expand when frozen and contract when thawed, creating a repetitive push-pull effect on your foundation. Over several winters, this movement can crack concrete, shift piers, and create uneven settling. Homes in Star that have endured 5–10 years of these cycles — particularly those built between 2015 and 2020 — are now showing the first symptoms of freeze-thaw damage.
Foundation Type Matters
The majority of newer homes in Star — especially those in Valor, Moon Valley Commons, and other subdivisions built after 2015 — feature slab-on-grade foundations. These are typically less expensive to repair than full basement foundations, but they do require specialized slab lifting techniques. Older homes in Star, particularly those built before 2005, often have crawl space foundations, which present different repair challenges including moisture management and pier access. Many homes in nearby Eagle and Meridian share similar foundation types, and repair costs are comparable across the Ada County market.
Number of Piers Required
The single biggest cost variable in most Star foundation repairs is the number of piers required. A minor settlement affecting one corner of your home might need just 4–6 piers ($4,000–$7,000), while a home with significant settling across an entire wall could require 12–20 piers ($10,000–$18,000). During your free inspection, our team measures the exact extent of movement at multiple points around your Star home's foundation to determine the precise number of piers needed — we never install more than necessary.
Cost Breakdown by Repair Type in Star
Concrete Pressed Piers — $4,000 to $12,000
Concrete pressed piers are the most common foundation repair method used in Star and throughout Ada County. Pre-cast concrete cylinders are hydraulically driven into stable soil or bedrock beneath your foundation. For most Star homes sitting on loess deposits, piers typically need to reach 15–25 feet to hit stable volcanic basalt. This method is effective for moderate settling and is the most cost-efficient pier option for homes in the Treasure Valley.
Steel Pier Installation — $6,000 to $15,000
Steel piers (also called push piers) are the premium solution for severe foundation settlement in Star. Galvanized steel shafts are driven to greater depths than concrete piers — often 30+ feet in areas of Star where loess deposits run exceptionally deep. Steel piers are recommended for heavier structures, homes with significant settling (more than 2 inches), or properties near the Boise River corridor where soil conditions are particularly unstable. Homes in nearby Boise, Eagle, and Meridian with similar severe issues also typically require steel piers.
Slab Foundation Repair — $3,500 to $15,000
Slab-on-grade foundations are extremely common in Star's newer subdivisions. Repair methods include polyurethane foam injection (for minor settling, $3,500–$6,000) and pier underpinning combined with slab stabilization (for major settlement, $8,000–$15,000). The cost depends heavily on the square footage of affected slab area. Many homes in Star built on former farmland in the 2018–2023 construction boom are beginning to show slab settlement as the underlying loess compacts under the weight of the structure.
Crawl Space Repair — $2,000 to $8,000
Crawl space foundations are common in older Star homes and throughout the Treasure Valley. Repairs often include replacing deteriorated support posts, installing adjustable steel columns, adding vapor barriers, and improving ventilation. Idaho's cold winters make crawl space moisture management critical — when warm air inside the crawl space meets cold surfaces, condensation forms and accelerates wood rot and foundation deterioration. In Star and Ada County, crawl space encapsulation combined with structural repair is a common and effective solution.
Drainage Solutions — $1,500 to $6,000
Poor drainage is one of the leading causes of foundation damage in Star, Idaho. When water pools around your foundation — especially during spring snowmelt — it saturates the loess soil and creates the conditions for settlement and hydrostatic pressure. French drains ($2,500–$5,000), surface grading ($1,500–$3,000), and downspout extensions ($500–$1,500) are common drainage solutions for Star homes. Addressing drainage issues early can prevent far more expensive foundation repairs down the road.
Foundation Crack Repair — $500 to $3,000
Not every foundation crack in Star requires major structural repair. Hairline cracks caused by normal concrete curing are cosmetic and typically cost $500–$800 to seal. However, horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks in brick, and cracks wider than 1/4 inch often indicate active foundation movement driven by Star's freeze-thaw cycles and soil conditions. Structural crack repair — including epoxy injection and carbon fiber reinforcement — typically costs $1,500–$3,000 in the Ada County market.
How to Get an Accurate Foundation Repair Estimate in Star
The only way to know exactly what your foundation repair will cost is to schedule a professional inspection. Here in Star, our team provides completely free foundation inspections for homeowners throughout Ada County and the Treasure Valley. During the inspection, we use precision laser levels to measure foundation movement, examine interior and exterior crack patterns, check crawl spaces or slabs for moisture issues, and assess your property's drainage conditions.
After the inspection, you will receive a detailed written estimate that includes the specific repair methods recommended for your Star home, the number of piers or other components needed, and a transparent cost breakdown. There is no obligation and no pressure — we believe Star homeowners deserve straightforward answers about their foundation. Call us at (208) 598-8638 to schedule your free inspection.
Does Insurance Cover Foundation Repair in Idaho?
In most cases, standard homeowners insurance policies in Idaho do not cover foundation repair caused by settling, soil movement, or normal wear and tear. This includes damage from the freeze-thaw cycles and loess soil settlement that are the most common causes of foundation problems in Star and Ada County. However, if your foundation was damaged by a sudden, covered event — such as a burst pipe or certain types of flooding — your insurance may partially cover the repairs. We recommend contacting your insurance provider early in the process, and our team can provide documentation to support your claim if applicable.
Many Star homeowners are surprised to learn that foundation issues identified during a home sale inspection can become a significant negotiating point. Whether you are buying or selling a home in Star, Eagle, Meridian, Nampa, or anywhere in the Treasure Valley, having a professional foundation assessment can save you thousands of dollars and protect your investment.