Articles

Is Uneven Concrete Hurting Your Property Value? Here’s What You Should Know

June 12, 2025

Whether you’re planning to sell your home soon or simply want to maintain your biggest investment, it pays to look beyond the obvious. While most homeowners think first about kitchens, bathrooms, and landscaping, there’s one feature that often gets overlooked—your concrete.

That sinking front step, that cracked driveway, or that uneven patio? It may be costing you more than you think.

At Level Best Concrete Lifting, we’ve worked with homeowners all over Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley to restore uneven surfaces before they impact resale value or safety. The good news is that these problems are often easy to fix—if you catch them early.

Here’s what you need to know about the impact of sunken or uneven concrete on your property value—and how to address it without a full replacement.

First Impressions Matter

Real estate agents and home appraisers agree: curb appeal matters. According to a study published in the Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, homes with strong curb appeal sell for an average of 7% more than similar homes with a poor exterior appearance—and that number jumps to 14% in slower markets (source).

That means uneven walkways, cracked driveways, and sloping patios don’t just look bad—they may actively reduce your home’s marketability and price point.

When buyers approach a property, they take note of:

    • Driveway condition

    • Walkability and safety of paths

    • Patio and backyard usability

    • Transitions from driveways to garage floors or steps

If these surfaces are visibly sinking, separating, or pooling water, buyers start asking questions—many of which lead to price reductions or repair demands.

Safety Concerns = Liability and Lost Value

Beyond appearance, uneven concrete introduces liability issues. Trip hazards on walkways, driveways, or around pools can lead to injuries—and potential legal claims.

Even if you’re not planning to sell, these hazards put your family, visitors, and delivery drivers at risk. And in a home inspection, they can become negotiating points or red flags that delay or derail a sale.

Fixing these issues proactively sends a strong message: this home has been well maintained and isn’t hiding costly problems.

Water Issues Start with Sinking Slabs

When concrete settles, it often changes how water flows around your property. Instead of draining away from your home, rainwater can begin to pool, flow toward the foundation, or seep into basements or crawlspaces.

Moisture problems don’t just affect your yard—they can lead to:

    • Mould and mildew

    • Foundation damage

    • Higher repair costs

    • Failed home inspections

Buyers and appraisers know how to spot these red flags. If they see standing water near your foundation, uneven patio slabs, or signs of poor drainage, it raises concerns about what’s happening beneath the surface.

Full Replacement Isn’t Always Necessary

Many homeowners assume that damaged or uneven concrete means full removal and replacement. That’s not only expensive—it’s disruptive and time-consuming.

But in most cases, concrete that’s still structurally sound can be lifted back into place. At Level Best, we use polyurethane foam lifting to raise sunken slabs quickly and precisely, with minimal mess and no need for demolition.

This approach:

    • Improves aesthetics immediately

    • Restores safe, walkable surfaces

    • Stops water from flowing the wrong way

    • Increases your home’s appeal and value

And most projects are completed in a single day.

How Concrete Lifting Improves Property Value

1. Restores Curb Appeal

An even, crack-free driveway or front step makes your home look polished and well-maintained. Lifting concrete eliminates obvious eyesores and helps create that all-important good first impression.

2. Fixes Safety Hazards

By correcting tripping points, you reduce liability and create peace of mind for potential buyers or current family members. Safer walkways and level patios are especially important for families with kids, seniors, or pets.

3. Protects Foundations and Landscaping

Concrete that slopes toward your house can lead to long-term water damage. Lifting these slabs helps redirect water away, protecting the home’s foundation and preventing erosion in garden beds or lawns.

4. Adds Marketability in Tougher Markets

In a competitive real estate market like Metro Vancouver, small details make a big difference. Clean, level concrete helps your listing stand out—and gives buyers fewer reasons to walk away.

Polyurethane Foam Lifting: Fast, Effective, and Invisible

We use high-density polyurethane foam to lift settled slabs from underneath. This process is:

    • Non-invasive: Small holes are drilled and patched; no jackhammers or hauling away concrete

    • Fast: Most surfaces are usable the same day

    • Accurate: Foam expands in real-time for precise, controlled lifting

    • Long-lasting: Once cured, foam resists water, shrinkage, and further settling

This is the same method used in municipal and commercial projects—but it’s perfectly suited for residential homes too.

A Smart Pre-Sale Upgrade

If you’re planning to sell your home in the next few years, concrete lifting is one of the best pre-listing improvements you can make. It’s affordable, highly visible, and solves real concerns buyers notice.

Unlike cosmetic upgrades that may come down to personal taste, safe and level concrete is universally appealing. It’s a practical investment that improves your home’s function, appearance, and value all at once.

Signs It’s Time to Lift, Not Replace

You may be able to lift your concrete if:

    • The slab is intact (no major breaks)

    • It’s uneven or sloping

    • There are visible gaps near stairs, foundations, or other slabs

    • You see pooling water or tripping hazards

Replacement may be necessary if the concrete is crumbling, flaking, or severely broken—but we’re happy to help you evaluate that during an on-site inspection.

Get Ahead of the Problem—Before It Costs You

Uneven concrete might seem like a small issue now, but it sends signals about your property’s condition that buyers, inspectors, and appraisers won’t miss. Fortunately, there’s a fast and lasting way to fix it.

At Level Best Concrete Lifting, we proudly serve homeowners throughout Richmond, Vancouver, Langley, and the Fraser Valley with honest advice, transparent pricing, and reliable results.Explore our Concrete Lifting page to see how the process works. If you’re seeing voids beneath slabs, check out our Void Filling service. For larger ground issues, Soil Stabilization may be the right fit.

Want help assessing your property? Contact us today for a free quote and give your concrete—and your home’s value—a strong foundation.

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