Underpinning or benching, which one is better?

One of the best ways to increase the space of a house is to renovate and expand the height of the basement. There are many ways to improve the home's space, but changing the cellar is the best and easiest way.

So it is better to check your basement first. Because the basement is part of the existing space of a building, changing and renovating it does not require a permit or tax. That's why most people decide to change the basement first.

Why should you renovate your basement?

Reconstruction of the basement is less expensive because the essential parts of a structure, such as walls and roof, are in it, and there is no need to rebuild them. Therefore, the basement reconstruction process will be faster and cheaper than other reconstruction projects.

These basements have been used chiefly for storing food or washing the house. But if the house is old, the basement is not designed and built for living. The roof of this basement is very short and therefore needs to be increased in height. In this case, basement reconstruction is recommended. Today's architectural knowledge gives you two choices for raising the basement roof: Underpinning or Benching.

Join Happy Construction to find out which method is better to use.

How to renovate the basement?

There are currently two ways to increase the height of the basement ceiling. The first method is to change the house foundation's structure and raise the foundation's height by underpinning. The second method is to create the illusion of a high roof using elements and principles of interior design.

With sufficient knowledge and expert staff, Happy Construction can use structural principles and change and strengthen your home's foundation, in addition to increasing the height of the basement ceiling and also changing its use in the best way.

Lowering the basement base

You should consider the basement if you do not want to increase the usable area by adding a floor or a new part to the house because it is expensive and time-consuming. We recommend changing the foundation and basement space based on modern construction knowledge. There are two main techniques for basement remodelling, and you can choose one or a combination of the two.

• Basement underpinning
• Basement benching

Our consultants can give you detailed information on both methods so that you can choose one of the methods for rebuilding your basement with sufficient knowledge.

What is basement underpinning?

The method of performing this technique is drilling next to the basement walls, removing the existing foundations in the basement, re-digging to a small depth in the foundation, strengthening the foundation, and finally placing new foundations in this depth. Eventually, the existing walls in the basement will be rebuilt, and new interior walls can be built.

Because this renovation technique is so complicated and risky, it requires specialized personnel with sufficient knowledge and equipment. In this process, the renovation of the foundation and the building itself are at risk of damage; therefore, hiring skilled labour can eliminate this risk. It should be noted that the underpinning method requires a lot of drilling and will have a high cost. Consequently, it is better to have financial planning for the basement reconstruction in this way.

What is Basement Benching?

Basement benching is another way to increase the height of the basement ceiling. In this method, the foundation in the basement is not excavated; instead, a bench is built around the interior of the existing walls. Then, lower the basement foundation into the bench space. This method allows us to lay a new concrete slab at a shallower depth without altering the foundation walls.

The basement benching method has less drilling than underpinning, so it is done in a shorter time and at a lower cost. But know that because it is placed next to the walls in the basement, the area used in the basement will be reduced. Such a flaw cannot be ignored.

A professional decorative designer can make the best use of these benches in the interior design of the basement and prevent wasting space. These benches can become a place to sit or relax. It can even be your desk. Think creatively.

Benefits of Basement underpinning

• Structural integrity is improved.

In this method, the foundation is strengthened. If the foundation of the building is damaged or worn due to the passage of time or faulty construction and climate change, you can strengthen and protect it by using underpinning.

• Increase ceiling height and lighting

In the underpinning method, the basement floor goes down, and this increases the space of the ceiling. The higher basement height allows you to install more beautiful and convenient lighting fixtures. You can also use the sun's natural light in the basement by installing new windows and doors.

• Increase the value of your property

Adding the right area to use for your home and building a new and more functional basement will increase the value of your property. A simple change in the basement can save you a lot of money.

Disadvantages of basement underpinning

Despite the many advantages mentioned in using the basement underpinning method, this process also has its disadvantages, which are discussed here:

• Large project

Excavation of foundations and basements requires sufficient equipment and knowledge of architectural engineering, which makes this project huge. As a result, it takes more time and money to plan. This project can take several months, and you will not be comfortable in your home.

• Expensive

The use of specialists and advanced equipment increases the cost of such projects. But the current space of the basement and your requests will also affect the cost, and after reviewing the building, these costs can be estimated.

Basement Benching Advantages

Basement benchmarking has several advantages, the most important of which are:

• Increase living space
• Additional support for the foundation
• Increase the value of the house
• Remove moisture and create better air in the basement

Although the other advantages of this method are:

• Less time consuming
• More cost-effective than underpinning
• Requires less labour
• Do not change the walls of the foundation
• Need less drilling
• Ability to change the benches to add effect and change the basement decoration
• It is an excellent option if you have a common wall and your neighbour does not allow digging under the foundation.

Disadvantages of basement benching

This method of basement reconstruction has significant disadvantages that make most people use the underpinning method to renovate their basements. These disadvantages include:

The bench base reduces the basement's usable area, and there are limited options for effective use of the bench structure.

This method adds very little value to the property and is practically unprofitable.

The bench base does not include repairing foundation cracks. You will have to pay extra to repair the foundation cracks.

If you have more questions about methods of renovating your basement, contact us to benefit from the free advice of our experts.