Helical piers are steel shafts with screw-like plates that are turned deep into the ground under a settling foundation. HomeGuide describes them as galvanized steel shafts with one or more helix plates, driven by hydraulic equipment down past the frost line into soil that can carry the load, then tied to the footing with a bracket [1]. CHANCE, a Hubbell brand that makes helical piles, lists no vibration, no spoils and limited-access installation among their advantages [2].
Where helical piers fit
HomeGuide's comparison table lines helical piers up against push piers [1]:
- Lighter homes. A fit for one- and two-story houses, and for buildings that lack poured footings or walls.
- Soil. Common in unstable or sandy soil and where bedrock is deep.
- Site. Listed as ideal for limited-access areas, high groundwater and deep frost lines.
- Angle. They can go in straight or angled.
Heavier buildings with poured footings may be better matched to push piers. An inspection should explain which the contractor recommends and why.
Frost depth matters here
In Wisconsin, house footings have to reach 48 inches below the surrounding grade at minimum, and lower still where frost penetrates deeper [3]. HomeGuide notes the local frost depth affects how deep helical piers need to go [1].
Helical pier cost
HomeGuide's February 2026 guide gives these national installed prices [1]:
| Piers | Published range |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| 4 | $8,000 to $16,000 |
| 8 | $16,000 to $32,000 |
Piers usually go every 5 to 8 feet [1]. HomeGuide says contractors charge a flat price per pier to a standard depth, then $20 to $25 or more per extra foot, so it recommends a "no depth clause" in the contract to lock the per-pier price regardless of depth [1]. Fixr's January 2026 guide puts a full underpinning or piering job at $10,000 to $40,000 [4]. The cost guide has more.
Permits
Expect one. Mequon requires a foundation permit with its own Foundation Repair Form [5]. New Berlin's building permit application includes a Foundation Repair checkbox [6]. The excavator must give the one-call center 3 working days' notice before nonemergency digging [7].
FAQ
Can helical piers lift a house back up?
Sometimes. In many cases, according to manufacturer Foundation Supportworks, its helical system can lift the structure as well as hold it [8]. Ask what lift the contractor expects, in writing.
Are they only for repairs?
No. HomeGuide notes they're used for new decks too, at much lower prices per pier [1].
Are helical piers allowed everywhere?
HomeGuide advises checking local building requirements [1]. Your inspector can confirm.
Get a quote
Request a quote and describe which corner or wall is settling.
We're a referral service, not a contractor, and independent contractors may pay us for referrals.
Sources
- HomeGuide, "How Much Do Helical Piers Cost?," Feb 6, 2026. Supports: description; comparison table (up to 2 stories, no concrete footings, unstable/sandy soil, deep bedrock, limited access, high groundwater, deep frost, straight or angled); frost line affects depth; 1/4/8-pier prices; spacing 5 to 8 ft; $20 to $25+ per ft; no depth clause; deck use costs less; check local building requirements. https://homeguide.com/costs/helical-piers-cost
- CHANCE Foundation Solutions (Hubbell, manufacturer). Supports: helical piles with no vibration, no spoils, limited access installation. https://www.chancefoundationsolutions.com/
- Wis. Admin. Code SPS 321.16(1)(a). Supports: below frost or 48 in, whichever deeper. https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/ch.%20SPS%20321.pdf
- Fixr, "How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Foundation in 2026?," updated Jan 27, 2026. Supports: underpinning/piering $10,000 to $40,000. https://www.fixr.com/costs/repair-foundation
- City of Mequon, Foundation Permit. Supports: foundation permit required; Foundation Repair Form. https://www.cityofmequonwi.gov/commdev/page/foundation-permit
- City of New Berlin, Building Permit Application (PDF). Supports: Foundation Repair checkbox. https://www.newberlinwi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/486/BuildingPermitAppWeb?bidId=
- Wis. Stat. 182.0175(2)(am)1. Supports: 3 working days' notice. https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/182.0175
- Foundation Supportworks (manufacturer), Solutions. Supports: helical pier system can raise the foundation in many cases. https://www.foundationsupportworks.com/solutions.html