Understanding Underpinning Footings for Homes in Vancouver, BC

A Strong Foothold for your Foundation

If you own a home in Vancouver, BC, you know how important a solid foundation is, especially in our rainy, coastal climate. Over time, many older homes in the city can experience foundation settling or cracking due to shifting soil, drainage issues, or simply the age of the property. When this happens, underpinning becomes one of the most effective ways to strengthen and stabilize your home’s foundation.

What Is Underpinning?

Underpinning is a construction process used to strengthen or deepen an existing foundation. It’s commonly done when a home’s original footings are no longer adequate — often due to soil movement, water damage, or when a homeowner wants to lower their basement for more ceiling height or to add a rental suite.

In simple terms, underpinning footings means reinforcing or extending the existing base of your home so it can better support the structure above. Learn more about underpinning in our blog Underpinning 101. 

Why Underpinning Footings Is Important in Vancouver

Vancouver’s unique environment makes foundation care especially important. With heavy rainfall, clay-rich soils, and sloped lots, it’s not uncommon for foundations to settle unevenly over time. When this happens, cracks can form in walls or floors, doors and windows may start sticking, and you might notice uneven floors.

Proper underpinning helps:

• Stabilize and strengthen your foundation

• Prevent further settling or cracking

• Add value to your property by improving structural integrity and creating more liveable space

• Allow basement lowering, creating usable living or rental space

• Extend the life of your home

For homeowners planning renovations or basement conversions, underpinning provides both safety and long-term value.

Common Reasons Vancouver Homeowners Choose Underpinning

1. Basement Lowering Projects: Many homeowners in Vancouver underpin their footings when converting a crawl space or shallow basement into a full-height living space or rental suite.

2. Foundation Repair: Underpinning is often part of a foundation repair strategy when cracks, water intrusion, or uneven settlement can appear.

3. Structural Upgrades: If you’re adding a new floor or making major structural changes, underpinning ensures your foundation can handle the added load.

4. Waterproofing and Drainage Improvements: Vancouver’s wet winters can lead to foundation leaks. Underpinning allows for proper waterproofing and drainage installation at the same time.

   
   

The Underpinning Process

While every home is unique, underpinning footings typically involves these key steps:

1. Assessment and Engineering – A structural engineer evaluates the foundation to determine the best underpinning method.

2. Excavation – Small sections under the existing footings are carefully excavated in stages to maintain stability.

3. Pouring New Concrete – New concrete is poured beneath the old foundation to extend its depth and strength.

4. Reinforcement – Steel rebar and other reinforcements are added for additional support.

5. Inspection and Waterproofing – The underpinning is inspected, and waterproofing membranes or drainage systems are installed as needed.

The process must be handled by experienced underpinning contractors familiar with Vancouver’s building codes and soil conditions.

Choosing the Right Underpinning Contractor in Vancouver

Underpinning is a complex and specialized process — not a typical DIY project. Look for a contractor who:

• Has local experience in Vancouver’s soil and drainage conditions

• Works closely with structural engineers

• Provides permits, inspections, and documentation

• Has a proven record of safe, professional underpinning projects

A qualified underpinning company will walk you through each stage, ensuring your home

remains safe, stable, and ready for future improvements.

Wallace Underpinning is an experienced contractor that specializes in foundation repair and underpinning in the Greater Vancouver area. Contact us to get started today. 

Underpinning footings is one of the best investments you can make to protect and improve your Vancouver home. Whether you’re repairing foundation issues, increasing your basement height, or planning a major renovation, underpinning ensures your home has a strong, lasting foundation to build on.