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Who to Hire to Replace a Sill Plate?
Hire a structural engineer and a foundation repair company
Photo: Ariel Skelley / Digital Vision / Getty Images
Photo: Ariel Skelley / Digital Vision / Getty Images
Highlights
Replacing a sill plate is a structural task that begins with load calculations by a structural engineer and ends with a foundation repair company performing the work.
Detailed cost data for sill plate replacement is [information not available in source]; related fixes like bowing wall repairs can cost up to $10,000 when done alone.
Scope depends on rot extent, required sill plate size, and whether other foundation issues are addressed during the same project.
Hiring pros helps prevent misalignment, sagging, and structural damage linked to incorrect sizing or inadequate temporary supports.
Avoid DIY; this job requires precise math, hydraulic jacks, and coordinated work between an engineer and repair crew.
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This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
When deciding who to hire to replace a sill plate, start with a licensed structural engineer for precise load calculations, then bring in a foundation repair company to carry out the replacement. Warning signs include misaligned siding, sagging windows, and cracked brick or stucco.
The engineer handles the math and specifications; the foundation repair company provides hydraulic jacks, temporary supports, and installation expertise. Homeowners insurance coverage varies, and exclusions for this work are common.
Benefits of Hiring a Structural Engineer for Replacing a Sill Plate
A structural engineer evaluates how your sill plate supports vertical and horizontal loads and calculates the exact size and specifications required. There is no room for error. The engineer provides plans and consults with the foundation repair company that completes the work, helping protect your home’s integrity throughout the process.
Performs accurate load calculations based on your home’s design and forces
Specifies the correct sill plate size to safely carry loads
Helps prevent sagging, misalignment, and future structural issues
Coordinates with the foundation repair crew executing the work
Brings licensed, trained expertise focused on safety and precision
Identifies foundational risks that may need additional repair
If you’re unsure about the extent of damage or the complexity of the repair, you might want to consider a foundation repair pro near you to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
Can I Hire a Foundation Repair Company for Replacing a Sill Plate?
Once you have the engineer’s calculations, hire a foundation repair company to replace the sill plate. Many companies manage the entire process, including inspection, scheduling, and coordination with an engineer. Some have an engineer on staff.
They can also tackle related repairs at the same time. A bowing basement wall repair can cost up to $10,000 when done on its own and may be less when bundled with sill plate work. This single-point project management improves convenience and keeps the repair sequence orderly.
How Do Pros Replace a Sill Plate?
Pros follow a careful, safety-first sequence:
Inspect the foundation to confirm the sill plate needs repair.
A structural engineer calculates loads and specifies the new sill plate size.
The foundation repair company lifts the home a few inches using hydraulic jacks and installs temporary supports.
They remove the damaged sill plate and install new materials per the engineer’s specifications.
The crew lowers the home, secures the sill plate to the foundation, and verifies alignment.
This process depends on exact adherence to the engineer’s specs and proper lifting and bracing—key reasons DIY is unsafe.
How Much Does Replacing a Sill Plate Cost?
Specific sill plate replacement cost data is [information not available in source]. One related data point: a bowing basement wall repair can cost up to $10,000 when done on its own and may be less when bundled with sill plate replacement. Overall cost depends on damage extent, required sill plate size from the engineering calculations, and any additional foundation repairs addressed at the same time. Insurance coverage varies, and exclusions are common.
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