Residential underpinning is beneficial for repairing problems in the foundation of the building. If your home is showing signs of damage in the base like settling, cracking and shifting, you should plan for this form of restoration. You can also opt for underpinning for improving the strength of the foundation during your general remodelling project. For instance, if you would like to add a new floor level, you can use underpinning to reinforce the building. Additionally, this process is great for preventing accelerated wear and increasing the overall value of the house. Here are some important tips to keep in mind during your residential underpinning work.

Check the Building Damage

You should evaluate the extent of damage to your building before underpinning. This practice is crucial for developing the best approach to conducting foundation repair. It is also important to note that underpinning might not always be the best solution for dealing with foundation problems. Checking the condition of the building thoroughly will help in formulating a repair plan. Therefore, make time for an inspection with your remodelling contractor. Then, discuss the severity and spread of the foundational issues. Also, learn about the cause of the damage so that you will prevent recurrence after repair.

Know the Vulnerable Areas

The process of underpinning involves the use of durable construction materials like concrete to reinforce the footing of the building. However, you should note that the entire foundation will not require reinforcement. You must identify the vulnerable spots that need more materials to improve strength or resolve the damage. In general, underpinning should be focussed on load-bearing foundational elements. The reinforcing material should only be poured beneath the walls that support the weight of the house. Underpinning non-load-bearing parts of the building will result in high and unnecessary costs. Moreover, the placement of the materials underneath could cause stress to the lighter walls, resulting in new damage. Therefore, ensure that your repair efforts are focussed.

Think about Repair Access

Finally, you should ensure that there is enough access to allow for effective underpinning. The process of adding materials to the foundation of the house often involves excavating around the building to expose or gain access to the footings. If the available space is limited, there will be fewer options for repairing or reinforcing the foundation. Therefore, you should think about how to increase the degree of access around the foundation to allow for excavation and placement of construction materials. If this is not possible, opt for pile-and-beam repair, which is suitable for limited space.