Basement Underpinning (Lowering)

Homeowners are always looking for ways to increase the worth of their property since buyers always want the most value for their money. One of the best ways to increase the value of your home is to expand the livable space; more space your home has, the higher the demand from buyers.

So, if you are looking to increase the square footage of your home then the basement is the first place to look at. Let’s explore how you could benefit from the basement underpinning.

What is basement underpinning?

Underpinning typically means to reinforce the existing foundation. It is basically done to shore-up the structure that was originally poor-built or has degraded with time or is subjected to land-slippage. The main aim of basement underpinning is to vertically extend it or strengthen the existing foundation. In both cases, you will increase the value of your property.

There are basically two approaches by which you can lower your basement floor:

• Underpinning the foundation walls
• Benching

Irrespective of the approach, a structural engineer would carry out periodic inspections of the underpinning process. Also, it is essential to have a plumber check the level of sanitary sewer connection before starting the work.

Benefits of basement underpinning

As a homeowner, you need to make sure that basement underpinning is done by experienced and professional contractors. With that said, here are reasons why should consider basement underpinning:

More space– Most of the homeowners, default to building home additions, however, they can gain additional space they are looking for through underpinning.

Improved structural integrity– Whether you accommodate upper floor expansion or expand the vertical space, basement underpinning will strengthen your home’s structural integrity, extend its lifespan, and increase the curb appeal.

Increase the resale value of your property– You can increase the resale value of your home by a considerable value by underpinning the foundation. This makes the property more likely to sell quickly.

Healthier home– Most of the older homes have seepage issues that not only cause mold and musty odors but can also undermine the integrity of the foundation. The underpinning process will not create new usable space but also give you a better and healthier environment.

Rental Income– If you get an expanded or a new entrance to your basement during the process then you open the possibility of converting your new space into a rent-able apartment. Basement underpinning not only helps you to increase the value of your home but also help you to recover the cost of the underpinning process through rental income.

If you want the basement of your home to fit the modern lifestyle, underpinning maybe the perfect solution for turning an unusable area into a brand new livable space that could be used for various purposes such as; kids playroom or a private apartment for your adult children or a space to rent out etc.

However, when planning to go for basement underpinning work it is always advisable to consult professional contractors. You should look for someone with experience who can guide you through the complete process of basement underpinning.

Basement underpinning may take a little time and money to transform a dark, dingy, and unused area into a space that will be loved by everyone but it’s worth all the effort since the end result will be spectacular.