Leveling
After an examination of your cottage foundation, leveling could be simply resetting and repositioning the existing pads level and installing a new post at the correct height. This is the least expensive option.
Or, it could involve a rebuilding of the footing system. Usually that means the current design is not permitted and must be brought up to current code. I refer to this as a rebuild, and usually involves all new larger footings in sufficient numbers to meet the new building codes.
Leveling is not lifting, we find the current highest point on the cottage beams and raise all other support points to match that highest level.
Lifting
This is an additional process that happens before the leveling. Should you wish to have the cottage higher, or if I deem it is required to have it higher off the ground than it currently is. We install all the lifting equipment required and a temporary support system, we then lift the cottage higher all the while supporting it with the temporary foundation. Once the cottage is at the desired height we can then install the new foundation and leveling the building.
Decks, sheds, bunkhouse, boathouse etc.
We lift and level your decks with the cottage, sometimes they need to be removed and reinstalled. We will also lift and level your smaller out buildings.
Beams
We sometimes find problems with the beams on cottages. We offer beam repairs and replacement service.
Floor Joists
We sometimes find problems with the joist on cottages. We offer joist repairs and replacement service.
Frost protection
Surface foundations are subject to frosts and water damages. This causes shifting and moves the footings around which can actually move the entire building. We offer solutions to protect your footings from frost and water run off control ti eliminate or reduce these issues.
Heated Crawl Space
We offer full construction of proper insulated crawl space walls, sealed ground sheet. We can arrange for heating, ventilation, lighting and plumbing work in the crawl space as well.
Continuous Poured perimeter footing with Pony Wall
We offer the service of installing a continuous poured concrete perimeter footing as required in all new cottages being built and some jurisdictions require this upgrade on any leveling project. This is a more expensive but much stronger foundation. Due to the sizeable investment and the inability to adjust this type of footing if it moves, I insist that the frost protection and heated crawl space options be installed with it.
Consultations
We provide free assessments and estimates of the work required. Once the work begins we sometimes uncover other problems. We will bring any and all issues we discover to your attention at once, provide a full explanation and include recommendations and options for any additional work and any added costs that may be involved. Often, this will require a speedy decision from you as the work progress could be halted until your direction has been provided to us. We like to provide updates as we proceed with your work and prefer if you are available to consult with us by phone or in person during the project.
