You’ll know the importance of underpinning if you’ve ever experienced a sinking house foundation. You might think that this is as entertaining as watching paint dries, but it can save you and your house. You’ll find it less painful to wait than for a technical support callback – more info?
Think about this. You’re in your basement and you feel as though you’re in the middle a mild storm. It isn’t your imagination. Your foundation should be rock-solid, not cha cha. Underpinning comes to the rescue just in time. It’s important to understand the legal and administrative jargon before jumping on this hero’s wagon.
First, let’s discuss permits. No matter how much you want to, you cannot just pick up a spade and dig. You must get the go-ahead from your municipality. You wouldn’t barge in to a neighbor’s barbecue without an invitation, right? Same principle.
The building codes work like the instructions for a first-time video game. The codes tell you what to do and don’t. They could also lead to heavy fines or lawsuits if you violate them. Like grandma’s fruitcake, ignoring it will make you regret it.
What is the next step in planning your underpinning? Inspections. Oh joy! It’s a checkup that your local government does to make sure all is well. As a preventive step, think of it like brushing the teeth. If you don’t want to receive a lecture by your dentist or worse yet, get dentures, then you wouldn’t miss it.
You have your permit and you are familiar with the codes. What next? What now? Traditional concrete? Mini-piles? Each option is a good choice, but it also has some drawbacks. Like choosing between a burger or a slaw, it depends on what you want to eat and how hungry you feel.