Basement Lowering – Benefits and Techniques

Do you find it difficult to store your belongings in the basement? Is your basement not high enough to walk comfortably? Is it impossible to consider it as a living space? If you are facing the problem of limited space in your basement, do not consider buying a new property.

Buying a new home is very expensive. You will have to undergo the trouble of selling your current home at an attractive price and find a new home at affordable rates. Instead of spending your time and energy on searching for a home, you can make your current home larger. How? Here’s the solution.

Basement Lowering – The Affordable Solution to your Space Problem

Basement lowering is a process that lowers the flooring of your basement and increases its height. Thus, allowing you to have a larger and more comfortable living space. There are several other benefits to basement lowering such as:

1. It strengthens the foundation.

2. It provides you with an opportunity to add floors to the structure.

3. It helps you to correct a structural problem.

4. It allows you to use your basement for rental purposes.

How to Lower the Basement?

A basement lowering process can be achieved by the following techniques:

1. Underpinning

It is a complex technique that involves excavating sections of earth under the footing of your home. Once the earth is removed, concreted blocks are poured. When the concrete dries, adjacent sections are removed and the same process is followed.

After all the sections are finished, the extra earth is removed and a new layer of concrete flooring is added.

2. Bench-Footing

Bench-footing involves excavation around the foundation and not under it. After excavating the soil, new foundation walls are built. This creates a bench-like structure between the original foundation wall and the new floor.

How to choose a Basement Lowering Technique?

Here are a few useful tips to help you choose a basement lowering technique for your home:

1. The Strength of Foundation

When the foundation of your home is not strong, it is advisable to avoid excavation under the footing. If you excavate under a weak foundation structure, there are high chances of collapse. So, the bench-footing technique will be of help to you in such a situation.

2. The Type of Soil

If the soil around your home is not stable, then it is not a wise decision to disturb it. In such a situation, excavating under the footing can cause damage to the foundation and ruin your home. Here, the bench-footing technique is advisable.

3. The Space Factor

Bench-footing reduces the square footage area of your basement. It is because the bench-like structure takes up space. So, if you are looking for a basement lowering technique that ensures zero decrease in area, then underpinning is the best technique for you.

4. The Neighbor Problem

If you share a common wall with a neighbor, you will need his/her permission before starting the underpinning process. It is because when you excavate the soil under the foundation, his/her building will also be affected. If your neighbor doesn’t permit you to lower your basement through underpinning, you are left with the only option of bench-footing.

5. The Cost Issue

Underpinning is costly because it involves risk. Also, precision is very important when it comes to working under the foundation. On the other hand, the bench-footing technique can be finished quickly and involves lesser risk. And, so it is less expensive.

Before you make any decision about choosing a basement lowering technique, you must consult a professional basement lowering contractor. He/she will help you in understanding the condition of the foundation and the soil around it. So, it will help you in making an informed decision.

Best of luck!