
12/20/2022
More underpinning pictures
Basement Underpinning is basically lowering a basement floor to give you more ceiling height… and
Operating as usual
More underpinning pictures
Underpinning
Underpinning in process
Photos from Basement Lowering DC's post
Basement dig down and excavated! This basement was lowered by 8'
Underpinning complete! Basement dig down in progress.
New addition footer and underpinning
Photos from Basement Lowering DC's post
Basement underpinned and new slab installation in progress
Just completed underpinning and lowering the basement. Next up is plumbing and lowering the drain lines.
Basement Lowering DC is underpinning another basement in washington DC. Contact us to schedule your next project.
Photos from Basement Lowering DC's post
57 Gravel blue stone Gravel $45 per ton (10 tons minimum)
RC-6 Recycled Concrete Gravel $30 per ton (10 tons minimum)
RC-6 can be used for:
⭐Sub-base for parking lots and roadways! ⭐residential driveways!
⭐walkways and select back-fill.
⭐Patio and fireplace Sub-base
⭐Concrete slabs
Gravel $30 per ton (10 tons minimum) plus $50 delivery fee!
Call 2404182636 or text 3015905280
Our 5th and final underpinning section for this project!
Waiting for inspection to pour our first underpinning section.
Today we are underpinning section 1 of 5 in this 150 years old home historic home in silver spring MD. Expanding the crawl space to access 8 foot ceiling height, finished as a full basement. This is a very challenging and unique process but it's fun in its own way. Stay tuned for a completed pictures!
New underpinning project in Washington dc. We have so far completed 3 of 5 sections.
Here is another underpinning project in the works!
Work on progress! New addition footers.
New underpinning project underway.
New garage foundation almost complete.
New addition footers! Now waiting inspection before we can pour concrete.
Basement lowered and ready for new slab.
Basement just lowered and ready to receive new slab. Went from 6' to 8' ceiling height.
Waterproofing and slab installation prep!
Basement slab prep and getting ready to pour.
Basement lowered and waterproofing started.
More underpinning and basement lowering pictures.
Foundation and underpinning construction.
The Complexities of Underpinning in Washington DC
Many people consider underpinning a home in Washington DC. Whether it is a basement that fails to meet code due to a low ceiling, or a foundation that isn’t sufficient to support an addition to the upper levels of the home, underpinning is the process of lowering the foundation to create additional space and shore up the entire house. Construction under an existing structure is not a simple process, and it takes experience and expertise to accomplish in a safe, code compliant manner. Here are some important factors to consider.
What will it cost?
Adding hundreds if not thousands of additional livable square feet to a home does not come cheap. However, since the process is dangerous, complex, and highly regulated, it is worth making the investment necessary to get the job done right. So how much does underpinning cost in Washington DC? A reputable contractor will charge between $60,000 to $80,000 for the underpinning and dig down costs, depending on the size of the space. In addition, engineering and other professional costs for underpinning range from $6,000 to $10,000. Finally, if done according to code, special inspection costs for underpinning range from $2,000 to $6,000.
Why Do it?
In a dense city with small lots, homeowners seeking to increase their useable space often look up or down. Underpinning is needed to lower the floor or raise the roof. In the District of Columbia, the legal basement height is seven feet and eight feet is generally accepted as the starting comfortable height. However, in older buildings, basements are six feet high, or there is only crawl space, so underpinning is necessary to create a useable basement space. Homes are rarely designed with an upper level addition in mind, so often the foundation is not sufficient to support a taller structure. Underpinning strengthens the existing foundation, and it is a necessary step for adding an upper floor.
Do Your Due Diligence
Before beginning the project, you need to inspect certain key factors. Not all soil is created equal: it can be soft due to contamination, type of soil, poor water drainage or other factors. While some contractors might suggest that there is a work-around for purposes of obtaining a permit, this is a dangerous shortcut. Testing the soil is critical because discovering soft soil once construction has begun might require an expensive, time-consuming change in the entire plan. Your contractor or architect can refer you to a qualified soil engineer to conduct this test.
Get a Permit
Washington DC has very specific requirements for obtaining a permit to do an underpinning. The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) has a lengthy and complex process that includes assembling a team of professional experts registered in the District of Columbia for their specific role. Registered contractors, engineers and architects are each required to submit specific aspects of the underpinning plan to the DCRA and participate in a planning meeting with the DCRA to make sure that everyone understands their scope and responsibilities and that all aspects of the project comply with code. While not required, it is also recommended that the homeowner give notice and obtain consent from neighbors of houses that abut. To fully comply with code, the project also requires a DCRA approved monitoring company to track progress and safety.
The Process
Underpinning takes an average of six months from start to finish. Because the work is proceeding underneath the existing house, it is incredibly dangerous, and the house could collapse at any time. To prevent tragedy, a good contractor will proceed in sections so that only part of the house is at risk at a time. Unlike other projects, underpinning calls for intermittent work since each section has to be allowed to cure to assure that it can support its share of the weight of the structure. Every section is inspected and tested before proceeding, which takes additional time. If the plan is to build an addition to the upper level, underpinning needs to be completed before beginning the work above.
At Go Pro Construction, we have been safely and successfully completing underpinning projects for our clients for many years. Working with the other professionals, our team will help expand your property and increase its value. For more information or for a consultation, contact us today.
Walls marked in preparation of underpinning.
More underpinning and foundation work
Ever wish your basement could be a more functional space? We use basement lowering techniques in Washington DC to create a more livable space and add value to your home.
@ Washington D.C.
Basement Lowering DC updated their phone number.
18219 Flower Hill Way, Suite D
Gaithersburg, MD
20874
Monday | 8am - 4pm |
Tuesday | 8am - 4pm |
Wednesday | 8am - 4pm |
Thursday | 8am - 4pm |
Friday | 8am - 4pm |
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