What’s The Difference Basement Underpinning And Bench-Footing?

In order to create additional space within their basements, homeowners are now taking the time to build out their lowest floors.

Two of the most popular techniques professionals use to complete the basement restructuring process are basement underpinning and bench-footing. These techniques are widely debated within the renovation marketplace and within this post, we’ll examine the differences between the two processes and pick out the advantages that each process brings to a renovation project.

Bench-Footing is a Faster Process

The bench-footing process involved in extending a basement space, and is often substantially easier to complete than the basement underpinning process. This also often means that it’s less expensive. Those who are upgrading their new home as part of this process might consider the cost as the most important deciding factor.

Underpinning Can Help Command a Higher Market Value

If you’re about to move properties in the next year, underpinning the basement structure could be considered the optimal approach. This is because underpinning will bring a greater market value for your home.

However, the greater amount of time it takes to complete the process means that underpinning can be expensive for those without the required resources. It’s imperative that you analyze the potential market value of your home after the renovation compared with the cost of having the work completed.

Underpinning Brings You More Basement Space

Unlike the underpinning process, bench-footing your basement space will mean the construction teams don’t place the foundation directly underneath the old foundation.

Bench-footing involves placing a new foundation partly beneath. This leads to more limited space within basements that have been bench-footed. If you’re looking to maximize the available room in your new basement space and to provide guests and potential tenants a more luxury appeal to their area, you might consider under-pinning your basement.

Combination of both Underpinning and Bench-Footing is Becoming Highly Popular

Because of the cost of underpinning basements and the sizing restrictions that occur when the bench-footing process is used, many homeowners are now choosing a combination of both renovation techniques.

This design allows for one half of the basement to be bench-footed in order to save time, and the other half to be under-pinned, providing some extra space within the area. This balance between the two styles could be a suitable option for those unable to make that final choice.

The benefits of renovating basement spaces are clear. But it’s important to talk with local renovation experts about how to take on this complex building process. To learn more, contact our expert team directly!