So, if your foundation is damaged, you want to add more floors to existing buildings in Toronto, or you have plans to renovate your basement, then the best solution is – underpinning. When a property is converted for a new purpose, you must prepare it for a heavier load than it can already bear. A property must have deeper foundations and sturdier basements to avoid problems like a sinking foundation in the coming future.
Also, if there are cracks on your walls or you have been experiencing sloppy floors, these are signs that something is wrong with your foundation. In most underpinning jobs, excavation becomes mandatory as it is a messy and labor-intensive task. But with correct planning and following the appropriate underpinning methods, the homeowners can add strength to their building’s foundation and prevent disastrous setbacks that cannot be reversed in many cases.
However, here is a short guide that can help you understand the correct unpinning methods and how much they cost? There are many types of underpinning methods; to know the best one; you need to understand your concerns and requirements first. Considering the type of foundation your property has, you may have to choose a single method to get underpinning done. Other factors influencing your choice of underpinning method are excavation depth, time, existing foundation, the average cost of underpinning Toronto, and the legal permit and rules.
There are usually three types of underpinning methods that most homeowners use –
- Pile method,
- Beam & Base,
- Mass pouring
If you are looking for a quick, easy, and low-cost solution with minimal digging, then mass pouring is a good option. It is the most traditional form of underpinning specifically used for shallow foundations. It can excavate the weak soil and replace it with strong concrete. And if you are looking to add more floors to your structure, then you can opt for the beam & base underpinning method. This method can spread the load over the concrete Base. The position and size of the beam will be decided after keeping the foundation type, load type, and building architecture in mind. If you have a foundation built on clay soil, you can go for the pile underpinning method, as this method is best for situations where you might face space restraints.
How much can underpinning Toronto cost for your house?
It is the most common question that any individual who wants to go for this procedure will ask. The answer is that evaluating the cost of an underpinning project in Toronto requires details like the condition of the existing foundation, excavation required, the concrete needed, footing arrangements, etc. Underpinning can be costly and complicated, but the return on such an investment is substantial. Just to give you an idea, most underpinning repairs might cost up to $500 per linear foot of your foundation wall. The cost depends on the footing type the structure may require and the number of pins needed for the job. So, for a wall of ten feet, you need to have a budget of $5000. To calculate the exact cost, you need to evaluate the size of your house and the work to be done.
Thus, underpinning is not cheap and is not a regular job. It’s an investment towards the future of your house, and you must hire the pros to get it done!