Helical piers are steel shafts with screw-shaped plates near the tip. HomeGuide explains that hydraulic machinery turns them into load-bearing soil below the frost line, and a bracket then connects the pier to the footing [1]. They're used to stop a settling foundation and, in some cases, to lift it back toward level. They also support new loads such as porches, decks and additions.
When helical piers are used
- Settling corners or walls. A section of the house sinks because the soil under the footing gave way.
- Lighter structures. HomeGuide's comparison lists helical piers as suited to homes up to two stories and to structures without concrete footings or walls [1].
- New work. HomeGuide puts helical piers for a new deck at $300 to $500 each, far less than piers for foundation repair [1].
- Tight sites. HomeGuide lists limited-access areas and high groundwater among the conditions where helical piers do better than poured footings [1].
If the house is heavier or has poured footings, a contractor may suggest push piers instead.
Frost depth in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code says footings and foundations must sit below the frost penetration level or at least 48 inches below the adjacent grade, whichever is deeper [2]. HomeGuide notes frost depth is one of the things that sets how deep piers must go [1]. Ask how deep the contractor expects to install, and what happens to the price if firm soil is deeper.
Helical pier cost
National figures from HomeGuide (updated Feb 6, 2026), not local quotes [1]:
| Number of piers | Published installed range |
|---|---|
| 1 pier | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| 4 piers | $8,000 to $16,000 |
| 6 piers | $12,000 to $24,000 |
| 10 piers | $20,000 to $40,000 |
HomeGuide also notes typical pier spacing of 5 to 8 feet, an extra $20 to $25 or more per foot past the standard depth, and $200 to $500 more per pier when piers have to be dug by hand [1]. It suggests asking for a "no depth clause," which keeps the quoted price per pier even if the piers have to go deeper [1]. See the foundation repair cost guide for other methods.
Before work starts
- Exterior digging needs notice to Diggers Hotline at least 3 working days ahead [3].
- Ask who pulls the permit. Green Bay requires permits for structural alterations [4], Appleton has a Basement Foundation Repair Permit [5], and Neenah lists foundation repair as needing one [6].
- Ask for the expected load per pier and how the installer will confirm it.
FAQ
Can helical piers lift my house?
Sometimes. Manufacturer Foundation Supportworks says its helical pier system can raise a foundation in many cases [7]. Whether yours can be lifted, and how much, is something to get in writing.
Are helical piers allowed everywhere?
HomeGuide warns that some local building rules restrict them for certain uses [1]. Check with your building inspector.
How long do they last?
HomeGuide describes helical piers as a permanent fix for a settling foundation [1]. Warranty terms vary by installer.
Get quotes
Tell us what's settling and where you live, and a local contractor can contact you about an inspection and pier quote. Request a free quote.
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Sources
- HomeGuide, "How Much Do Helical Piers Cost?," Feb 6, 2026. https://homeguide.com/costs/helical-piers-cost. Supports: description (hydraulic machinery, below frost line, bracket to footing); comparison table (lighter structures up to 2 stories, homes without concrete footings); deck piers $300 to $500; limited access and high groundwater; frost line affects depth; cost table by pier count; spacing 5 to 8 ft; $20 to $25+ per ft beyond standard depth; $200 to $500 hand-dug; "no depth clause"; restricted by some local codes; permanent solution.
- Wis. Admin. Code SPS 321.16(1)(a). https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/ch.%20SPS%20321.pdf. Supports: below frost penetration or 48 in below adjacent grade, whichever deeper.
- Wis. Stat. 182.0175(2)(am)1. https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/182.0175. Supports: 3 working days' notice.
- City of Green Bay, "Do I Need a Permit?" https://www.greenbaywi.gov/977/Do-I-Need-a-Permit. Supports: structural alterations need a permit.
- City of Appleton, Basement Foundation Repair Permit. https://applications.appleton.org/departments/public/onlinepermits/basementpermit.aspx. Supports: permit exists.
- City of Neenah, "When Do I Need a Building Permit?" https://www.ci.neenah.wi.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/When-Do-I-Need-a-Permit.pdf. Supports: foundation repair or replacement needs a permit.
- Foundation Supportworks (manufacturer), Solutions. https://www.foundationsupportworks.com/solutions.html. Supports: helical pier system "will permanently stabilize a home's foundation and, in many cases, raise it back up."