Underpinning is the extension of the existing foundation down to competent bearing material, which is material that will support the weight of the house and foundation without settling. Techniques include installing reinforced concrete piers, driven steel piles or push piles, hand-dug pits, helical anchors or self-drilling anchors.
Underpinning helps stabilize the foundation, and is often necessary as first step to a major home remodel.

Underpinning is often an excellent solution to level floors, stop the foundation from moving, lift the home close to it’s orginal position, and greatly increase the value of your home.

RWR uses portable equipment during installation, with minimal disruption to your home and surrounding area.

Schedule a free inspection with one of our professional consultants, and get our recommendations for your situation.

Here is an example estimate from RWR, so you can get an idea of the detail and professionalism you can expect from our team of specialists.

This preliminary estimate is based on Preliminary Structural Drawings. The scope of work includes drilling and installing concrete reinforced piers, excavating and installing concrete reinforced underpinning haunches. An alternative for an extension along with additional piers for the garage are provided. Final price is subject to receipt of final plans. Our price includes all labor and material to complete the work as per the itemized Scope of Work below.

Scope of Work

Mobilization and Layout
• Mobilize to jobsite with portable drilling equipment and other necessary equipment to complete
• Daily Cleanup
• Final Cleanup

Excavate for Underpinning Haunches
• Excavate for sixteen (16) underpinning haunches 3 ft x 2 ft x 3 ft.
• Dirt Spoils to remain on site
• Access through existing deck and slabs to be provided by others

Piers
• Drill sixteen (16) 18” diameter x a maximum of 17.5 ft in depth per plans and specifications. Final depths to be determined by soils engineer. No Deduct. See hard rock drilling conditions.
• Install sixteen (16) 18” diameter x a maximum of 17.5 ft in depth concrete reinforced piers per plan and specifications.
Concrete Reinforced Haunches
• Install sixteen (16) 3 ft x 2 ft x 3 ft concrete reinforced haunches per plans and specifications.
• Includes a maximum of 16 dowels into existing foundation per plans and specifications.

Note: This scope of work is for the house only and does not include the garage underpinning, addition to house or pool house. The work is for the underpinning only and does not include interior girders or any leveling of the existing structure.

Alternative #1

• Add three (3) piers and haunches for garage per plans and specifications

Alternative #2

• Add six (6) piers and 50 linear ft x 1.5 ft x 1.5 ft grade beam per plans and specifications

Note: This bid assumes it will be performing services as a Sub-contractor to a General Contractor. Bid assumes contract will utilize standard contractual provisions. It reserves the right to accept or reject General Contractor’s contractual provisions.
Qualifications and Clarifications
• Job is bid as package unless agreement to otherwise
• Includes one mobilization only
• Prices are subject to adequate supply of wood, steel, rock, concrete, and asphalt, PVC resins, PVC pipe, fittings at prices quoted at bid time and are good for 30 days.
• Proposal is based on working std 40 hours per week, 5 work days and mutually agreeable schedules.
• No Off haul. Dirt spoils to be retained on site.
• Demo and access to be provided by others
• Estimate is subject to receipt of final plans
Exclusions
• Cost of plans, permits, bonds, testing and inspections.
• Increased cost of drilling or excavation due to hard rock, underground water or caving soils. (Hard rock drilling is defined as a penetration rate slower than 1 ft. in 5 minutes.) (Hard rock excavation is defined as material that cannot be excavated with a conventional backhoe or excavator bucket.)
• Any work on utilities including buried pipes or irrigation pipes.
• Replacement of damaged landscaping.
• Excavation and off hauling of hazardous materials, underground tanks, or materials unacceptable at dumps including serpentine rock.
• Drainage
• Importation of backfill material except as noted.
• Electrical and Plumbing
• Carpentry except that required for installation of concrete
• Other work on preliminary plans not included in our scope of work above