Basement Foundation Replacement Project in Kensington, CA
Location: Kensington, CA
Problems: Existing basement foundation required replacement and structural upgrades to improve the home’s long-term stability
Services: Foundation replacement, basement foundation repair, concrete foundation construction, seismic bracing and structural repairs
Solution: Replaced 31 feet of basement foundation, installed new footings and structural supports, poured a new concrete basement slab, and completed related seismic and structural improvements.
The Problem: Replacing an Aging Basement Foundation
Older homes with basements often require specialized foundation repairs that differ from homes built on crawl spaces. Over time, portions of a basement foundation may deteriorate or no longer provide the structural support needed for the home above.
For this Kensington residence, Ward Construction worked from engineering plans prepared by Dave Olnes to replace a section of the existing perimeter foundation along two sides of the basement. The repair also included several structural improvements designed to strengthen both the foundation and the surrounding basement area.
The Solution: New Perimeter Foundation Construction
The project began by installing temporary structural supports to safely carry the weight of the home while the existing foundation was removed.
Ward Construction then removed and replaced approximately 31 linear feet of perimeter foundation along two sides of the left rear basement. The new foundation included a 24-inch-deep footing, a new pressure-treated sill plate and new anchor bolts to securely connect the home’s framing to the foundation.
Additional Structural Support
In addition to replacing the perimeter foundation, the project included several structural concrete improvements.
Ward Construction constructed three bench piers, each approximately 36 inches deep, to provide additional support where called for in the engineering plans. The project also included constructing 10 feet of reinforced keyway, helping integrate the new concrete work with the existing structure.
Replacing the Basement Floor
Because portions of the basement floor were affected during construction, the project included replacing approximately 160 square feet of six-inch-thick concrete slab over a prepared four-inch sub-base.
Replacing the concrete floor as part of the foundation repair helped restore the basement after the structural work was completed while providing a durable new surface.
Completing the Structural Repairs
Foundation replacement often requires repairs to finishes and framing that are affected during construction.
For this project, Ward Construction:
- Saw-cut portions of the exterior stucco to access the foundation.
- Removed and replaced sections of interior drywall as needed.
- Removed and replaced a portion of the existing concrete walkway.
- Installed a plywood shear panel with hold-downs to improve lateral strength.
- Repaired the exterior stucco after the structural work was completed.
Incorporating Seismic Improvements
One notable aspect of this project was the installation of a plywood shear panel with hold-downs.
While the primary purpose of the project was foundation replacement, adding a shear panel also strengthens the home’s resistance to lateral forces. Incorporating structural improvements during foundation work can often be more efficient than performing them as separate projects later.
Why Basement Foundation Repairs Are Different
Basement foundation repairs are often more complex than crawl space repairs because excavation, structural concrete work and interior access all occur within the existing structure.
This Kensington project combined foundation replacement, structural concrete work, basement slab replacement and seismic improvements into one coordinated repair plan. By addressing multiple structural components during the same project, the homeowner received a comprehensive solution designed for the existing basement foundation.
Need Basement Foundation Repair in Kensington?
If you’ve noticed cracks in your basement walls, uneven floors, foundation deterioration or other signs that your basement foundation may need attention, it’s important to have the structure evaluated by experienced professionals.
Ward Construction specializes in basement foundation replacement, structural foundation repairs, seismic upgrades, concrete foundation construction and house leveling throughout Kensington and the East Bay. Every repair is designed around the home’s existing structure and the recommendations of the project’s structural engineer.