I can’t believe it is already September. The year is flying by!
With the winter months approaching, we are beginning to get some projects started so we have some work ready for our landscaping employees, when the ground freezes up.
We dug the foundation for our first coach house of the year this week and are preparing to pour the footings.
If all our approvals come through, we are looking at 3 Triplex’s, 2 Coach Houses, finishing 2 basements, and a major interior waterproofing job to keep us busy this winter.
Every year we keep looking to take on more than the last to keep improving our skillset and that of our team.
With us beginning our most recent project and preparing to lay the foundation of our new coach house, I figured it would be an appropriate time to go over something you should consider when you start your first coach house.
What is your water prevention plan?
If you are building a Coach House in which the basement is living space, water prevention should be on your radar. Since a coach house is a smaller project, you will not be required by the city to determine water table fluctuation levels at your site.
For larger projects, these fluid levels have to be determined and adjustments to foundations and building heights are made based on the findings. With the height restrictions that we have to work within, you will likely be dealing with deeper foundations, which are more at risk of having water rise above the footings for an extended period of time.
Do you understand the risks of digging without checking the water levels?
Are you aware of potential costs if the water level is a major issue once construction has started?
What measures should you put in place incase the water levels are higher in a season that you didn’t build in?
These are all questions that you should be aware of and should ask your builder about before beginning your project. Building a coach house is a significant investment so you need to ensure that your investment is well protected for the test of time.
One of the water prevention techniques we are doing on all of our builds is capillary breaks. Capillary breaking is when you put a water resistant membrane in-between the connection of the footing and the foundation wall. Since concrete is highly porous, water can wick up from the footing into your walls, and cause dampness and mold in the basement.
We believe this strategy and other water proofing strategies should be considered when constructing your coach house.
Want to work with us or learn more about what we are involved in?
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For any concerns or inquires you can reach us at info@northlakesdevelopments.ca or through our website contact page.