Underpinning a Basement: Is it a DIY job?

If you want a thing done well, do it yourself.

It is the age of Do-It-Yourself or DIY. If you believe the internet, every job under the sun is a DIY job. You may have noticed home improvement websites claiming that underpinning a basement is a DIY job. It can be completed successfully with step-by-step procedure mentioned on the websites. But, is it true? Before putting on your work boots, consider the following things:

Experience

Today, internet is the primary source of information for everything. You may have researched for several hours and read everything related to underpinning a basement. But, do you have the experience to undertake such a complex engineering process?

If you work in the construction industry and have knowledge about underpinning a basement, you can decide to undertake the underpinning process on your own. But, remember that it will require your dedicated efforts.

Structural Engineer

A structural engineer is required to make sure that your home can sustain the underpinning process. If you decide to start the work without consulting an expert, you may harm the structural integrity of your home.

Permit from the Local Government

Before starting the underpinning process, you will have to follow different types of laws and regulations such as building permits and zoning regulations. Obtaining permit from the local government is a complicated procedure because it involves several documents. Are you ready for it?

Permission from the neighbor

If you share a wall with a neighbor, the foundation of his home will be affected by the underpinning process. You will have to assure him of the safety of his home. Underpinning contractors have experience of dealing with neighbors on a regular basis. So, it is ideal to hire a contractor and let him/her undertake the task of convincing your neighbor.

Find equipment and handymen

Underpinning a basement requires specific equipment for excavating earth under the foundation. Even if you rent the equipment, you might not have the experience to use it. In such a situation, you will have to spend a lot of your time in finding handymen with experience of using the equipment. So, it is wise to hire an underpinning contractor because his team of talented handymen will take care of the underpinning work efficiently.

Underpinning a basement is different than building a kitchen cabinet. It is a complicated engineering process. There are chances of things going wrong quickly. If you start the underpinning process on your own, you may end up making a grave mistake such as damaging the foundation structure of your home. So, it is better to let the experts do their work.

Underpinning a basement is not a DIY job. It requires expert knowledge and wide experience. Pour Concrete can help you lower the basement floor efficiently. Trust the expert for bench-footing the basement as well.

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Keywords: Underpinning a basement, waterproofing the basement, waterproofing the basement

By: christinedelongte

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