FOUNDATION REPLACEMENT
Construction Services
FailSafe provides basement replacement packages to homeowners who have decided to redevelop their basement for reasons that might include but are not limited to:
- Existing basement failure
- Limited ceiling height and basement functionality
- Existing foundation is a crawlspace
- To develop a revenue generating suite
- Water table is too high
Basement replacement packages can be customized to a client’s needs, though we prefer to limit our involvement to the following core project items.
- Coordinating the basement engineering
- Lifting the house
- Excavating and removing the existing basement
- Installing the piles if required
- Constructing the new ICF (insulated concrete form) basement
- Lowering the house and reattaching it to the new foundation
- Installing waterproof membrane on exterior of the basement walls
- Installing weeping tile and completing backfill
ICF Basement Anatomy Click Here to open larger poster
FAQS
It is our goal to complete an average size basement replacement project including the house lift, excavation, foundation replacement, backfill, and house set down within 6 weeks of starting. However, larger foundations and winter projects can increase this timeframe substantially.
Also, project items for which we aren’t responsible are not included in this timeframe. We always tell our clients that they should be prepared to be out of their house for 2-3 months before their services are restored.
No. We advise our clients to find an alternative living arrangement while the project is being completed. Issues related to onsite safety, limited house access, and disconnected services make living in the house a real challenge.
When we lift old crooked houses and place them on a new perfectly straight foundation system the end result is a straighter house. Wall and window cracking can occur in extreme cases. We are not responsible for patching cracks, rehanging jammed doors, or replacing cracked windows.
Yes. The new footings can be installed only as deep as the existent incoming water and sewer lines.
Yes. Although the client occasionally arranges the engineering and permits, seldom is this the case.
No. As Failsafe isn’t the property owner, the homeowner must call for connection services when required. We’ll advise the client when and how to arrange these requests.
Yes. Setting up the house lifting equipment and excavating the old basement will cause some unavoidable damage to the yard. However, we do our best to minimize the amount of damage we cause.
Yes there are. FailSafe specializes in the foundation replacement portion of a basement replacement. Additional costs beyond the scope of FailSafe’s commitments might include but are not limited to:
- Any interior plumbing below slab & plumbing upgrades and renovations
- Chimney Removal
- Interior and exterior finishing work where chimney was removed
- Removal or replacement of any front steps & decks
- Replacement of sidewalks, landscaping, lawn replacement
- Changes to furnace location and all heating system repairs, renovations and upgrades
- All electrical repairs, renovations and upgrades
- Removal and replacement of front/back exterior stairs & decks
- Purchase and installation of windows
- Basement finishing
- Stucco parging on above grade exterior portion of ICF wall
- Construction of new basement stairs
- Spray foaming any cracks/gaps between top plate and the rim joist of house & large gaps between floor joists adjacent to rim joists
- Basement Finishing
Sometimes. FailSafe recommends the removal of any chimneystack prior to lifting your house. It should be noted that chimneys can be saved, though the cost associated with saving the chimney always exceeds the cost of having it removed. To save the interior façade of a fireplace, tremendous care must be taken in replacing the chimney.
Yes, for an additional cost FailSafe can add the chimney removal to your price quote..
An average house can weigh between 25 to 50 tons.
Possibly. Settling of backfill around the perimeter of the house is to be expected and we only backfill after the completion of the foundation construction. If additional backfill is required in the future it is the responsibility of the client.
FailSafe requires a booking deposit which when paid ensures your spot in a cue. Generally the earlier you provide us with your deposit the more likely you are to book a seasonal time spot ideally suited to your needs.
FailSafe breaks up payment into a schedule that hinges on milestones associated with the basement replacement. For example, the payment schedule might resemble:
- Deposit: Ensures your spot
- Payment: The day we lift your house 6” off the old foundation
- Payment: The day before we set your house down on the new foundation
- Payment: Payable upon completion of work on site
FailSafe receives insurance coverage from Ranger Insurance and holds liability insurance for up to $2,000,000. Additionally, we carry “Riggerʼs Insurance” which provides blanketed coverage on any structure that we lift for up to $250,000.00. If the client wants to add additional insurance because their house is worth more it can be adjusted on a one by one basis.
In most projects Fail Safe tends to complete the following services related to the basement replacement.
- Coordinating the building permit
- Coordinating the engineering
- Lifting the house
- Basement excavation and removal services
- Installation of the concrete piles and form shelf
- Construction of the Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) basement
- House set down and attachment to the new foundation
- Water & Sewer line replacement
- Backfill
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