Basement Underpinning: Before and After

Have the children occupied all the available rooms? Need your personal space? Probably that is time to think about strengthening the basement of your home to get an extra cozy space.Repair is always a very responsible and slightly nervous process. However, just imagine your home before and after basement underpinning: the difference will be noticable to say the least!

Today lot’s of homeowners decided to make a cozy home cinema room, small gym or a gaming room out of a damp and cold room. Do you want it too? Read the following guideline then and make notes.

What Do I Start With?

Like in every process, first of all it will be useful to scrutinize the topic. For the beginning it is necessary to understand what an underpinning is and which methods are used during the procedure. We will try to explain in an accessible and understandable way how to underpin the basement and what results you will get.

What Is Basement Underpinning?

Let’s figure out what basement underpinning or basement lowering actually is. Underpinning is a construction technique used to strengthen and deepen the foundation of an existing structure, particularly when the original foundation is inadequate due to changes in soil conditions, structural modifications, or other factors.

Primarily, providing your home with the underpinning is an essential process for ensuring the stability and safety of buildings. 

Why Do I Need Basement Underpinning?

Of course, it is always nice when there is a place in your house where you can spend time with your family or retire late in the evening with a cup of cocoa while watching your favorite melodrama or blockbuster. However in addition to creating a beautiful room, there are several other factors why strengthening the basement becomes not just a desire, but a necessity. Here are main reasons:

Foundation settlement

Foundation settlement is a process in which the foundation of a house, building or other structure begins to sink, causing a violation of the geometry of the building and a threat to its stability. It can be caused because of incorrect design or violations during the construction of the foundation.

Soil changes

Changing the composition of the soil can lead to an increase in moisture not only in the basement, but also throughout the building. This can lead to mold, cause allergic reactions and cause acute respiratory viral infections.

Water damage

Water infiltrates into the basement and can cause serious problems such as destruction of concrete structures, cracks and a decrease in the strength of the foundation, damage to the items stored there, including valuable items, damage to electrical systems. Our team also performs first class exterior waterproofing to help you avoid water damage.

How Do I Start Basement Underpinning Before and After Project?

#1. Consult professionals

It is normal to contact experienced beasement underpinning contractors, like Will Fix. It is very important that all the construction nuances are taken into account when performing the work. This will protect you and your home from unpleasant circumstances. OBC Regulations for basement underpinning in Hamilton and across Canada will provide you with the necessary information following which you will be guaranteed safety.

You will ask the right question, but how to choose a conscientious contractor? Pay attention to the company’s experience, read the reviews of people who have used the services of this company. Check the availability of permits and certificates. Also rate their customer photos “before and after’ basement underpinning. We have it at Will Fix. So, please, feel free to contact us and get your free estimate!

#2. Plan your budget

Basement renovation always require some costs. Before starting work, it is better to make sure that there is room in the planned budget for the basement underpinning. First of all, it will help not to give up the case halfway. Indeed, this process may not be cheap, but now you will have a new space for recreation or training, and you do not need to think about buying a larger home.

#3. Conduct a Site Assessment

Before starting basement underpinning, it is worth using the services of a geotechnician. He will evaluate the properties of soils and terrestrial rocks. We have our own engineers and other specialists so you don’t need to call someone else.

#4. Plan the project

Independently or with a specialist, work out a plan to strengthen your basement. Calculate the dimensions, the amount of materials needed, and also determine the methods that you will use in the process. Do not forget to determine the time frame that your repair is not delayed.

#5. Choose the method

There are several methods of basement underpinning. After studying them, you can choose the most optimal one for you

• Mass Concrete Underpinning. It is one of the most popular methods, suitable for residential buildings. It involves excavating the soil from under the existing foundation and pouring concrete for a new foundation. Usually, the soil is removed in small areas in order not to damage the structure.
• Beam and Base Underpinning. This option is suitable for weaker structures. A reinforced concrete beam is laid under the existing foundation, which is supported by new concrete foundations. This method allows you to distribute the weight of the building more evenly.
• Screw Pile Underpinning. This method is used in places with complex soil composition. Screw piles are installed to a certain depth in order to achieve stable soil layers and withstand significant loads.
• Mini-Piled Underpinning. In urban spaces, this method is usually used. Due to the small diameter of the screw piles, it is possible to carry out the installation with the least harm to the surrounding space.

There’s also grouted pile underpinning method. It is suitable for areas with poor soil conditions. It involves drilling holes beneath the foundation and filling them with grout to create additional support. The grout hardens and provides a stable base for the structure.

The Results That You Will Get

Now that you have examined the soil, determined the method of strengthening the basement and selected a high-quality contractor, you can start. By choosing a high-quality contractor, you can relax and unwind, because your “before / after” basement underpinning will amaze you. Instead of a dark room where you can meet another ghost (joke), there will be a cozy, sweet room for spending time with your family. And, of course, most importantly, it will protect your home from damage and your health.

Basement Underpinning Before and After FAQ