Is Underpinning a Basement a DIY job?

If you want a thing done well, do it yourself.

It is the age of Do-It-Yourself or DIY. If you believe the internet, every job under the sun is a DIY job. You may have noticed home improvement websites claiming that underpinning a basement is a DIY job. It can be completed successfully with step-by-step procedure mentioned on the websites. But, is it true? Before putting on your work boots, consider the following things: 

 

Experience

Today, internet is the primary source of information for everything. You may have researched for several hours and read everything related to underpinning a basement. But, do you have the experience to undertake such a complex engineering process? 

If you work in the construction industry and have knowledge about underpinning a basement, you can decide to lower the basement floor on your own. But, remember that it will require your dedicated efforts. 

Structural Engineer

A structural engineer is required to make sure that your home can sustain the underpinning process. If you decide to start the work without consulting an expert, you may harm the structural integrity of your home. 

Permit from the Local Government

Before starting the underpinning process, you will have to follow different types of laws and regulations such as building permits and zoning regulations. Obtaining permit from the local government is a complicated procedure because it involves several documents. Are you ready for it? 

Permission from the neighbor

 

If you share a wall with a neighbor, the foundation of his home will be affected by the underpinning process. You will have to assure him of the safety of his home. Underpinning contractors have experience of dealing with neighbors on a regular basis. So, it is ideal to hire a contractor and let him/her undertake the task of convincing your neighbor. 

Find equipment and handyman

Underpinning a basement requires specific equipment for excavating earth under the foundation. Even if you rent the equipment, you might not have the experience to use it. In such a situation, you will have to spend a lot of your time in finding handyman with experience of using the equipment. So, it is wise to hire an underpinning contractor because his team of talented handyman will take care of the underpinning work efficiently. 

Underpinning a basement is different from building a kitchen cabinet. It is a complicated engineering process. There are chances of things going wrong quickly. If you start the underpinning process on your own, you may end up making a grave mistake such as damaging the foundation structure of your home. So, it is better to let the experts do their work. 

Underpinning a basement is not a DIY job. It requires expert knowledge and wide experience. Pour Concrete can help you lower the basement floor efficiently. Trust the expert for bench-footing the basement as well.

Sump Pump: The Ultimate Guide for avoiding Wet Basement

There will be water issues, even if you have spent thousands of dollars in waterproofing the basement. There will be situations when the basement will get wet. And, in such situations, you will need to install a sump pump.

How will a Sump Pump help in keeping a Basement dry?

It is a common practice for homeowners, living in the rainiest regions of the nation, to install a sump pump in the basement. They build a sump pit. It collects all the excess water of the basement. When, the water reaches a designated level, the sump pump pumps it out and keeps the basement dry.

Is Sump Pump Installation necessary for every Home?

It is not necessary for every home to have a sump pump. But, you need to install a sump pump if you face any of the following situations:

1. If the basement is damp or wet
2. If the house is built on ground with shallow water table
3. If you live in one of rainiest regions of the nation

You should not buy it at the first sight of water problem in the basement. Basement flooding can be caused by several other things such as:

1. There is water seepage through the window
2. The gutter is overflowing
3. Downspout is dumping water near the foundation
4. There is soil around the foundation slopes creating pits for water

It is always a better idea to call a wet basement waterproofing contractor to take care of basement flooding and installation of sump pump. He/she will be able to diagnose the cause of flooding accurately and provide a viable solution.

Taking care of Sump Pump

Your job doesn’t end with installing a sump pump in the basement. You have to take care of it on a regular basis otherwise it will not be of any use. Here are a few things that should be kept in mind when you install it:

Battery backup sump pump

Sump pumps run on electricity. But, if there is a blackout, you won’t be able to use it. In such situations, you require a battery backup sump pump. If you forget to install a backup system, it can cause basement flooding.

Installation of the battery

When you buy a battery backup sump pump, install the batteries properly. If you keep the batteries on the ground, water can damage it. Remember to keep it in a plastic/wooden case and mount it on the wall.

Testing the sump pump system

If you do not test the sump pump system every couple of months, it will not pump out water efficiently. So, do not forget to conduct occasional testing by pouring the water in the sump pit. Pour enough water to activate it. If you are not satisfied by the performance, get it repaired immediately.

The condition of discharge pipes

Discharge pipes discard water away from the home. But, if the pipes are damaged, they will not function to the optimum level. So, check the condition of discharge pipes before the rainy season arrives.

Owning a house means taking care of it 24/7. If you have installed a sump pump in the basement, take care of it. It will help you to avoid basement flooding and ensure a dry basement.

Let the expert waterproofing contractor take care of installing a sump pump. Do not worry about discharge pipes and the foundation of your home. Pour Concrete is efficient in drain repair as well as in foundation repair service. So, do not worry about basement flooding or the damage caused by it.

Stay Alert to avoid the Common Waterproofing Mistakes

Water is the driving force of life. It is necessary for our existence. But, it has the potential to damage your home and destroy your financial condition. Many people have lost their homes because of poor waterproofing system. Do not let water be a problem for you. 

A stitch in time saves nine

If you notice damp walls, leaky windows or wet floor in the basement, hire a waterproofing contractor. If you ignore the waterproofing system of your home, it can create the following problems: 

>> Basement flooding

>>Unhygienic environment

>>Inoperative basement space

>>Damage of fixtures and furniture

>>Costly foundation repair

>>Deterioration of the concrete structure

>>Reduction in the value of home

It is important to remember that hiring a waterproofing contractor will not solve all your problems. There have been cases when even the experienced basement waterproofing contractors have installed faulty waterproofing systems. If you want to ensure a flawless job, avoid these common waterproofing mistakes:

Mistake no. 1 - A DIY job

By looking at inexpensive DIY waterproofing kit available at every home improvement store, home owners consider waterproofing a DIY job. They believe that it is not necessary to spend money on a waterproofing contractor when installing a waterproofing system is simple. 

But, you must remember that your inexperience and lack of knowledge of the waterproofing industry will give you inaccurate results. Also, it can cause more damage to your home. So, do not commit the costly mistake of considering complex waterproofing a DIY job. 

Mistake no. 2 – Choosing the Wrong Waterproofing Contractor

Choosing the wrong waterproofing contractor can result in the following complications: 

>>Faulty waterproofing systems

>>Leakage in the basement even after waterproofing is done

>>Cost of hiring another contractor, etc. 

Do not commit the mistake of choosing the very first waterproofing contractor that you meet. Ask for quotes and references from several qualified general contractors for waterproofing your home. It will help you to choose the one that suits your requirements.

Mistake no. 3 – Getting Unnecessary Work done 

It is possible that you simply need to install a sump-pump in order to take care of the water problem. However, the contractor may insist on excavating the exterior and installing membranes. Many contractors suggest unnecessary methods to earn money. But, you should not agree with the waterproofing contractor’s suggestions before asking for a second opinion. 

Waterproofing mistakes are expensive. If you do not stay alert, you will have to spend more money and time to correct the mistakes. So, do not let the waterproofing contractor make every decision for you. Stay informed, stay safe! 

Do not let waterproofing your home become nightmare for you. Call the experts and ensure a flawless wet basement waterproofing job. Pour Concrete will also provide efficient foundation repair services to take care of the damage caused by water. Get in touch now for a comprehensive solution to the water problem.

Should you construct a House on your own?

“Building your own house is a primal urge, one of those universal genetic drives like the need to provide for your family.” - Kevin McCloud

If you want to build your house, it symbolizes your need to protect your family. Our ancestors build houses on their own and provided a roof for their family. But, is it possible in today’s world?

Do you think you can do it?

You may be in the construction industry, but do you think you are ready to build a house on your own? Are you prepared to manage sub-contractors, handymen and other workers who will undertake the actual construction work? 

Many people opt for constructing a house on their own in order to save the cost of a general contractor. But, before making any decision, consider the following things: 

It is not a Science

Although constructing a house requires you to know engineering, it is not a science. It involves supervising people and handling them effectively. There are several unexpected incidents such as rise in the cost of materials, unavailability of labor, etc. that can put your plan in jeopardy. A licensed general contractor is well-versed with handling all the pitfalls of constructing a house. So, he/she will have no problem in getting all the work done. 

The Financing Issue

Constructing a house is an expensive project and homeowners require home loans to undertake the project. It is important to note that lenders will require a qualified person to handle the construction project. It is because it gives lenders a sense of security. If you construct the house on your own, you will experience difficulty in obtaining home loans. 

The Preparation 

Proper preparation prevents poor performance.

Like every other thing in the world, constructing a house also requires proper preparation. If you decide to construction a house on your own, you will have to complete the following tasks: 

1. Learn the construction process. 

2. Know about the latest technology, materials, supplies, etc. 

3. Go shopping for materials and supplies. 

4. Order the right quantity of materials at the right time. 

5. Hire an architect and sub-contractors after thorough screening process. 

6. Obtain the relevant permits from the government. 

Your Involvement 

Constructing a house requires undivided attention. You will have to be present on the site in any of the following situations: 

1. To discuss the plan of action with the sub-contractors

2. To check material delivery

3. To solve any problem

4. To review the work, etc. 

You will have to sacrifice your job for constructing your house. Are you ready to do it? 

These are only some of the things that will require your undivided attention if you try to construct a house on your own. Remember being your own general contractor is no picnic. It can be a painful experience for you. So, do what you know the best, and let the experts handle the rest. 

If you want to build a dream house, choose a reputed general contractor who can provide you with expert concrete installation services. Pour Concrete is not only an expert at building new houses, but it will also provide you with long-lasting foundation repair services.