Underpinning

[tigerfan]

My wife and I are trying to buy a home and just found out the one we are looking at is underpinned on all 4 sides.
Question what does underpinning mean and how does this effect the home?
Thanks
Tigerfan

 

[buddy]

Tigerfan,

Go to askjeeves.com

type in "underpinning"

 

[The Judge]

Underpinning is a generic term to describe the process of modifying an existing foundation by adding support. This can be done by various means, such as piering (installing steel piers), concrete caissons or piles.

 

[thetrain]

usually means the home is a manufactured home

 

[Captain Crunch]

Underpinning is a generic term to describe the process of modifying an existing foundation by adding support. This can be done by various means, such as piering (installing steel piers), concrete caissons or piles.

:iagree: There had probably been some settling in the foundation at some point and underpinning is used to "hopefully" keep the foundation from settling anymore. Ask the owners how long ago they had it done. If it was ten years ago and they haven't had any problems since, you slhould be OK. If it was 10 months ago, I might have some concerns.

Judge, what kind of work do you do??? You seem to know alot about construction and also the due process of the justice system!!!!!

 

[tigerfan]

Thanks guys - we bailed out

All 4 corners of the house have been underpinning - the foundation has been cracked and when you look close at the walls you could see cracks and water damage.

Tigerfan

 

[RAYMOND]

Underpinning is a generic term to describe the process of modifying an existing foundation by adding support. This can be done by various means, such as piering (installing steel piers), concrete caissons or piles.

RIGHT ON JUDGE
:clap:

 

[RAYMOND]

http://www.saberpiering.com/

 

[RAYMOND]

http://www.piertech.com/foundationmovement.php

 

[The Judge]

Judge, what kind of work do you do??? You seem to know alot about construction and also the due process of the justice system!!!!!

I am a structural engineer by day and a gambler by night.

 

[mrhotpicks2]

I am a structural engineer by day and a gambler by night.

:scared

 

[dawgball]

Judge (or Raymond)--correct me if I am wrong, but Underpinning can be a good sign that the house has had foundation problems corrected, correct? I would suggest having an engineer come out and verify that any foundation problems have been fixed (hoepfully at the seller's cost) before I completely dismiss the house.

At first glance, underpinning scares many people off, so if the job has been completed correctly, then you may get a great deal on a home.

 

[The Judge]

Judge (or Raymond)--correct me if I am wrong, but Underpinning can be a good sign that the house has had foundation problems corrected, correct? I would suggest having an engineer come out and verify that any foundation problems have been fixed (hoepfully at the seller's cost) before I completely dismiss the house.

At first glance, underpinning scares many people off, so if the job has been completed correctly, then you may get a great deal on a home.

If properly done, underpinning can actually improve on the original design of the foundation. The dilemma is that, short of observing the work in progrss or tunneling under the house after the facat, it is nearly impossible to verify how much or even what was done.

For this reason, most reputable foundation repair companies offer a lifetime transferable warranty for their work. I would not hire anyone to do such comprehensive work on my house without a through check into their referals and without a comprehensive warranty.

The rub is that even with the warranty, if future repairs are required, it is very disruptive. Frequently the homeowner will have to vacate the premises while the repairs are being done. Hope this helps.