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 estimate is based on architectural and structural drawings. The bid is for the repairs to the existing foundation as per plans.

Our price includes all labor and material to complete the work as per the itemized Scope of Work below.

Scope of Work
• Mobilize to jobsite.
• Supervision.
• Saw-cut and demolish (9) square sections approx. 4 ft. wide x 4 ft. long as indicated on structural plans. Off-haul demolition debris from site.
• Excavate (9) access pits to maximum depths (As per detail A/S5.1) to expose the tip of the existing concrete piles as per plans. Off-haul excavation spoils from site.
• Roughen the surface of the existing piles and clean surface for bonding as per plans.
• Sever (If needed) the existing connection between the pile and the bottom of the existing grade beams prior to re-leveling.
• Install (9) reinforced concrete underpinning/pier caps (First pour as per detail A/S5.1) to plan depths. Two pier caps inside the garage as per detail 3 A&B from sheet S/5.1.
• Install hydraulic jacks and re-level as per structural engineering’s instructions (See notes and exclusions). Remove hydraulic jacks and install sacrificial jacks to support the existing foundation as per detail A/S5.1. (If sacrificial jacks are not used then contractor will place high strength grout to provide full bearing after re-leveling is completed).
• Install the rest of the reinforced concrete underpinning/pier caps (Second pour as per detail B/S5.1). Two pier caps inside the garage as per detail 3 A&B from sheet S/5.1.
• Patch slab openings as per new slabs requirements on page S1.1. (Where required).
• Fill voids between back patio and perimeter foundation with LDF lean concrete as instructed by General contractor.
• Clean up site and construction debris.

Notes
• It may not be possible to re-level affected area within specified tolerances (¼ of an inch maximum) due to existing conditions, such as “original pour conditions and final finishes”, etc.
• Re-leveling the affected area is included, however since the floor area has already adjusted to the existing conditions it may result in cracked walls, cracked floors, uneven floors finishes as well as other damages. Not including any repairs of same in this estimate.
• General contractor to remove furnace and any other obstacles to access work areas prior to commencing of the job.
• Exterior tile work to be completed by others.
• Excavations and concrete amounts are calculated to depths as per plan measurements, any additional depths will incur additional charges.
• Verification of final floor elevation and monitoring in conjunction with General Contractor.
• Contractor is not responsible for any damages to the adjacent unit due to the re-leveling or any other work to be performed at: 5 Flemings Court, Marin City.

Exclusions
• Cost of plans, permits, bonds, testing and inspections.
• Increased costs of excavation due to hard rock, underground water or caving. (Hard rock excavation is defined as material that requires the use of a pneumatic or hydraulic breaker to excavate).
• Soft demolition or any not mentioned above.
• Plastic covering and dust cleaning.
• Any carpentry work.
• Earth shoring.
• Exterior tile work.
• Cost of surveying and monitoring requirements.
• Any work on utilities including buried pipes.