Slab foundation repair in Frisco
Most Frisco homes are newer and many sit on post-tensioned slabs. Here is what that means for repairs.
Frisco is a city of newer homes, many of them on concrete slabs. When a slab moves, the repair plan depends on how the slab was built, how far it has moved and why.
Post-tensioned slabs
A post-tensioned slab has steel tendons running through it that are stretched tight after the concrete sets, squeezing the slab so it resists bending. Engineer Bryan Allred, writing in STRUCTURE magazine in 2010, said that anyone in the southwestern U.S. who had bought a house in the previous twenty years had a very good chance of living on one, and that Texas sees the largest expansive soil movement because of its dry and wet cycles and clay soil. The Post-Tensioning Institute describes these foundations as commonly used for homes across large parts of North America.
Two practical points for owners:
- Concrete Network warns not to cut or drill into a post-tensioned slab, because a cut tendon is very difficult to repair. That applies to plumbers, flooring installers and anyone anchoring something to the floor, not just foundation crews.
- Many post-tensioned slabs are stamped to say so, often in the garage. If yours is, mention it when you call.
How slab repairs are priced
| Approach | HomeAdvisor (June 2026) | HomeGuide (Feb 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Piers under the slab | $1,000 to $3,000 per pier | $1,000 to $1,600 per steel pier; $10,000 to $20,000 per job |
| Slabjacking | $500 to $1,300 | $4,500 to $9,000 |
| Crack repair | $250 to $800 | $250 to $800 per crack |
Piers are the big variable. Nearby Prosper's November 2023 permit report lists foundation repairs of 6 to 10 piers, so a quote with a pier count in that range is not unusual for the area. More in our cost guide.
What Frisco asks for
- A permit: Frisco's fee schedule (effective 10/1/2026) lists Foundation Repair at $75.
- A registered engineer: the city's registration list includes the "engineer of record (EOR) [residential only (structural / foundations)]."
Details on our Frisco permit page.
Before agreeing to piers
- If the home is newer, check the builder's warranty paperwork first. See newer homes.
- Rule out a plumbing leak under the slab, which can wet the clay in one area.
- Ask for the engineer's drawing with every pier located on it.
Sources
- STRUCTURE magazine: General Considerations for Post-Tensioned Slabs on Ground (Bryan Allred, January 2010)
- Post-Tensioning Institute: position statement on materials for post-tensioned slabs-on-ground (April 29, 2020)
- Concrete Network: Post-tensioning basics
- HomeAdvisor: Foundation repair cost (updated June 20, 2026)
- HomeGuide: Foundation repair cost (February 6, 2026)
- Town of Prosper: Permits Issued report, November 2023
- City of Frisco: Permit, Inspection and Miscellaneous Consolidated Fee Schedule (effective 10/1/2026)
- City of Frisco: Contractor Registration Information
Last reviewed October 6, 2026. Cities update rules and fees, and cost guides change. Check the source before relying on a detail.
FAQ
Is my Frisco home on a post-tensioned slab?
Possibly. Engineer Bryan Allred wrote in 2010 that people in the southwestern U.S. who bought homes in the previous twenty years very likely lived on one. Many such slabs are stamped, often in the garage. Your builder or an engineer can confirm.
Can I drill into a post-tensioned slab?
Not without locating the tendons first. Concrete Network warns not to cut or drill post-tensioned slabs because a cut tendon is very difficult to repair.
How many piers does a typical slab repair need?
It depends on the house. Prosper's November 2023 permit report lists foundation repairs of 6 to 10 piers, which gives a sense of local job sizes.
Talk to a local contractor
Send the form or call, and a participating Frisco-area foundation repair contractor will reach out to inspect and quote. There's no charge from us.
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