You know how important underpinning is if you have ever had to deal with a foundation that’s sinking. It might seem like a fun project to watch paint dry. But hang on, it could save you and your home. It’s much less painful than having to wait for a callback from tech support.
Let’s consider this. Standing in your basement you have the feeling that you are on a boat in a mild thunderstorm. This is not your imagination. It’s not your imagination. Underpinning is the hero who arrives just in time. Before you jump on the hero bandwagon there is a lot of red tape and legal mumbo-jumbo to get through.
Let’s start with permits. You can’t simply grab a shovel to start digging, whether you like it or not. You will need to get permission from your local government. You wouldn’t just barge in on a neighbor’s BBQ without their permission, would you? Same principle.
Building codes are similar to the manuals for a new video game. These codes explain what is allowed and not allowed. Breaking these rules can result in hefty fines and even legal action. You’ll regret it if you ignore the rules.
What comes next when planning your foundation project? Inspections. Oh joy! This is a regular checkup by your local authority to make sure everything is up to standard. Consider it a preventive measure like brushing your tooth. You wouldn’t do that unless you wanted to get a lecture from the dentist or worse, have dentures.
You’ve got the permits, and you understand the codes. Now what? It’s time to choose your method. Concrete? Mini-piles? Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. You can choose between a sandwich and a salad depending on your hunger level and what you are eating.