What is the time frame to put in underpinning? What’s the scoop?

Can’t home improvement projects sometimes seem like a maze that doesn’t end? Particularly when you get into our site underpinning. What is the average time it will take? Let’s look at this.

The length of the underpinning can vary. It’s akin to a complicated dish: there is no “one-size-fits all”. Some projects can be finished in a flash, while others can take several hours.

Foundation Matters

The foundation of your home plays a huge part. Older homes, constructed with materials now considered ancient relics, often require more time. Are there newer structures? They might be less finicky. Marie, my neighbor, recently underwent a restoration of her century-old Victorian home re-anchored. It felt like it took forever–about three month. She laughed: “By then, I thought that I would have children to live at home with us!”

The Size Doesn’t Matter

Let’s get right to the point. A smaller house may not always suggest a simple job. Sometimes smaller homes have hidden surprises. Like that drawer in your kitchen where odd things just materialize. Larger homes on simpler soil varieties can be built faster and more efficient, as you’ll see.

Soil Type is the Wildcard

Soil is tricky. The clay soils are more difficult to work with because they expand and shrink. Sandy soils? It’s like working with a dough that’s flexible. They’re easier to work on and speedier.

Tom is a contractor friend is adamant about soil tests. He once said to me “It would be similar to playing Russian Roulette with no one.” It turns out that he was right. Soil has a crafty way to calculate project speed.

Permits, papers and documentation

Oh, the delight of permits! They are the slow-moving molasses that are in the timeline that is underpinning it. Local governments often sift through paperwork. Others? It’s like navigating bureaucracy for a long time. Make sure you are aware of local regulations before they become effective to avoid nasty unexpected surprises.

Weather: The Uninvited Guest

Picture this: Your underpinning project is going well but then the rainstorms turn your backyard into a pond. Weather can cause problems. A few sunny days? You’ve made it.