Home Foundation Safeguards

Adding On To Your Home

Expanding your home can be exciting, providing extra space and functionality to accommodate your evolving needs. Protecting your home’s foundation is crucial throughout construction, whether adding a new room, extending your kitchen, or building an additional floor. Your foundation is the bedrock of your house, and any damage can lead to structural issues down the line. Here are helpful suggestions to safeguard your home’s foundation when building on to your house.

Consult a Structural Engineer

Before beginning any construction project, consult a qualified structural engineer. They will assess your existing foundation and provide recommendations for supporting the new structure. Their expertise can help identify potential risks and ensure the foundation can support the additional load.

Obtain Proper Permits

Ensure you obtain all necessary permits before starting construction. Building codes vary by location, and obtaining permits ensures your project complies with local regulations. This includes requirements related to foundation construction and protection.

Excavate Carefully

If your expansion project involves digging near the existing foundation, avoid damaging it. Excavation should be done carefully, using appropriate techniques to prevent undermining or destabilizing the foundation. Consider using hand digging or non-invasive excavation methods where possible.

Install Proper Drainage

Proper drainage protects your foundation from water damage. Ensure your new construction includes adequate drainage systems to divert water from the foundation. This may include installing gutters, downspouts, and French drains as needed.

Protect Against Soil Erosion

Erosion can weaken your home’s foundation. To prevent erosion, install retaining walls, landscaping, and erosion control blankets during and after construction.

Monitor Soil Conditions

Pay attention to changes in soil conditions during construction. Soil settlement or shifting can indicate potential problems with the foundation. If you notice any signs of soil movement, promptly consult a structural engineer to address the issue.

Use Proper Materials and Techniques

When adding to your home, use high-quality materials and construction techniques appropriate for your foundation type. Reinforce the new structure as needed to distribute the load evenly and minimize stress on the foundation.

Consider Foundation Waterproofing

Consider waterproofing your foundation to protect against moisture intrusion depending on your location and soil conditions. This can help prevent water damage and prolong the life of your foundation.

Schedule Regular Inspections

After the construction, schedule regular inspections of your foundation to check for any signs of damage or settlement. Early detection of problems allows for timely repairs, preventing more extensive damage in the future.

Following these tips and working with qualified professionals can protect your home’s foundation when building on it. Investing in proper foundation protection during construction will help ensure your home’s long-term stability and integrity. For foundation repair or an inspection call us Atlantic Foundation’s services.

Sources

-National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) – https://www.nahb.org/

-American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) – https://www.asce.org/