Basement Lowering DC

12/20/2022

More underpinning pictures

12/14/2022

Underpinning

12/13/2022

Underpinning in process

12/11/2022

Photos from Basement Lowering DC's post

05/02/2022

Basement dig down and excavated! This basement was lowered by 8'

05/02/2022

Underpinning complete! Basement dig down in progress.

05/01/2022

New addition footer and underpinning

03/10/2022

Photos from Basement Lowering DC's post

03/10/2022

03/05/2022

Basement underpinned and new slab installation in progress

12/08/2021

Basement lowering Washington DC

Just completed underpinning and lowering the basement. Next up is plumbing and lowering the drain lines.

05/11/2021

Basement underpinning.

Basement underpinning just completed! New height is 9'

05/02/2021

Basement Lowering DC is underpinning another basement in washington DC. Contact us to schedule your next project.

04/04/2021

Photos from Basement Lowering DC's post

04/02/2021

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

04/01/2021

Our 5th and final underpinning section for this project!

03/19/2021

Waiting for inspection to pour our first underpinning section.

03/13/2021

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!

03/11/2021

03/08/2021

New underpinning project in Washington dc. We have so far completed 3 of 5 sections.

02/17/2021

02/03/2021

Here is another underpinning project in the works!

11/27/2020

Work on progress! New addition footers.

11/21/2020

New underpinning project underway.

11/18/2020

New garage foundation almost complete.

11/05/2020

New addition footers! Now waiting inspection before we can pour concrete.

09/13/2020

Basement lowered and ready for new slab.

09/10/2020

09/09/2020

Basement just lowered and ready to receive new slab. Went from 6' to 8' ceiling height.

09/01/2020

Waterproofing and slab installation prep!

08/27/2020

Basement slab prep and getting ready to pour.

08/23/2020

08/13/2020

Basement lowered and waterproofing started.

08/11/2020

More underpinning and basement lowering pictures.

08/08/2020

Foundation and underpinning construction.

08/07/2020

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.

08/07/2020

Walls marked in preparation of underpinning.

08/07/2020

More underpinning and foundation work

08/05/2020

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.

07/28/2020

Basement Lowering DC updated their phone number.

Basement Lowering DC updated their phone number.