Basement Excavation in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
Gain Ceiling Height and Transform an Existing Basement
Rebuilding a Severely Deteriorated Foundation
In many properties throughout Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, basements were built with limited ceiling height and were never designed to become fully functional living spaces.
Basement excavation makes it possible to lower the floor level, gain ceiling height and transform the space. However, in an existing building, this type of project involves much more than simply excavating the ground.
Foundations must remain properly supported throughout the work. The presence of bedrock, shared walls, neighbouring buildings and the condition of the existing structure can all influence the construction methods required. Depending on the project, underpinning, new foundations, drainage systems or major structural modifications may also be necessary.
Indigo Construction specializes in complex basement excavation, foundation and structural projects in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal and throughout Greater Montreal.
Basement Excavation and Lowering in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
Every building is different. The construction approach must be adapted to the existing foundations, structural conditions and the actual soil or bedrock encountered on site.
Our services may include:
· Basement excavation and lowering
· Rock excavation
· Underpinning
· Foundation modifications or replacement
· Structural reinforcement
· Installation of steel beams and columns
· Interior French drain and drainage systems
· Waterproofing and insulation
· New concrete floor slab
When a project requires structural work, Indigo also coordinates with engineers and other professionals involved.
Completed Project: Basement Excavation on Saint-Denis Street
Approximately 1,200 sq. ft. of Basement Excavation
Our project for Eliott and Jennifer, owners of a duplex on Saint-Denis Street in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, is a good example of the challenges that can arise when excavating a basement in an existing building.
The objective was to excavate approximately 1,200 sq. ft. to gain enough ceiling height to create a more functional basement.
The main challenge quickly became apparent: a substantial amount of blue bedrock was located directly beneath the property.
Several Weeks of Rock Excavation
To reach the required depth, the bedrock had to be broken, saw-cut and gradually removed using specialized equipment. This stage of the project took several weeks.
The presence of bedrock also added a structural dimension to the project, as certain sections of the building and its foundations were directly supported by it.
The challenge was to achieve the required ceiling height while ensuring that the existing duplex remained properly supported throughout the work.
New Foundations and Extensive Structural Reinforcement
The work required new foundation elements adapted to the conditions encountered on site. The structural plans included foundations bearing directly on the bedrock, as well as various connections between the new sections and the existing structure.
The excavation also involved major structural modifications to the building.
The project included the installation of new W10x45 steel beams, steel columns and engineered LVL wood beams, along with reinforcement of certain existing floor joists.
On a project of this nature, the construction sequence is critical. Excavation, temporary support, concrete work and installation of the new permanent structure must all be carefully coordinated.
A French Drain Excavated Directly Into Bedrock
The drainage system also had to be adapted to the basement's unique conditions.
Since part of the building was sitting directly on bedrock, a trench had to be cut into the rock to accommodate the installation of a new 4-inch French drain.
The new basement floor assembly also included waterproofing membranes, rigid insulation, a vapour barrier, clear crushed stone and a new reinforced concrete slab.
This was not simply a matter of excavating deeper. It involved properly rebuilding the entire underground infrastructure beneath the new basement floor.
The Result: A Basement Ready for Finishing
Despite the significant amount of bedrock and the extent of the structural work involved, Indigo Construction completed the excavation, foundation and structural work included in its scope.
The rock excavation, new foundations, drainage system, beams, columns and structural reinforcement created a new space with the required ceiling height, allowing Eliott and Jennifer to move forward with the finishing and interior renovation of their basement themselves.
This is what distinguishes a major basement excavation project from a simple basement renovation: much of the most complex work takes place beneath the concrete slab, within the foundations and throughout the building's structural system.
Foundation and Structural Work in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
Lowering a basement directly affects the foundations and structural elements supporting the building. Depending on existing conditions, underpinning, new foundations or various reinforcement measures may be required.
In addition to basement excavation, Indigo Construction also specializes in:
· Foundation replacement and modifications
· Underpinning
· Foundation stabilization
· Rock excavation
· Structural reinforcement
· Installation of steel beams and columns
· Interior French drain systems
· Drainage and waterproofing
Our team focuses on large-scale projects where excavation, foundation and structural work require careful planning and coordination with various professionals and trades.
Planning a Basement Excavation Project in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal?
Looking to gain ceiling height in your basement? Does your project require underpinning, foundation work or structural modifications?
Indigo Construction specializes in complex basement excavation, foundation and structural projects in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal and throughout Greater Montreal.