Installing a foundation under an existing building part 1: demo, excavation, footings

[@seantap1415]

The only way this is economical is because you and your crew can do all this work yourselves.

[@jmuller86]

you are correct. If I had to sub out this would not have worked efficiently

[@CrimeVid]

Of course !

[@ckm-mkc]

Sometimes it's just not possible to get permits to demo old buildings and it can cost a whole lot more to get permits to replace.... This may be economical in the large scheme of things.

[@schsch2390]

@@ckm-mkc Considering how much updating had been done, as revealed by the demo very little of the 1820s house remains, mostly the minimal skeleton and probably that flooring that was tossed. Windows appear much more recent, pex and plastic plumbing, fibreglass insulation in the walls all suggest no one had much concern about maintaining historical appearance.

[@DrLoveQc]

I was wondering the same! still very nice to see the process but I was looking at this and the work involve, all interior is gone, will probablu just keep the roof and wood wall. But when somebody do it himself its a nice process to follow. was it possible to just remove the floor boards/joists and redo it with insulation only?

[@simon2428]

What I notice immediately in the time lapse is how you regularly clean as you go, that is really good to see it shows a great work mentality.

[@kieranosullivan02]

Usually when you don't that's how things get lost most the time I reckon

[@jerrythecoo3295]

A good clean space, is a safe space!. 😎👍👏🌟

[@joconnor3567]

While having an addition built my wife fired the contractor for sloppy habits. Never cleaned up,half filled coffe cups everywhere and cigarette butts crushed on subflooring, etc. She was correct!

[@michaelscott-joynt3215]

Aside from reasons already mentioned, I imagine allowing the work area to become a polluted, disorganized, bloated mess would quickly make the area unworkable.

[@jmuller86]

I honestly don't think we are the tidiest of crews, compared to other contractors around here that I have worked with. Maybe its a NY thing. I try to be safe, not necessarily tidy; but I guess Tidy looks better for the customers

[@gkcooper]

I found your channel a while back through AC. The quality of your work and your ability to produce an excellent video is impressive! Your videos have improved by an order of magnitude. Thanks for sharing and keep 'em coming.

[@steveguy7165]

He has something Andrew doesn't and that's patience. :-)

[@kieranosullivan02]

@@steveguy7165 true actually haha if it doesn't work in a minute I'll just break it to pieces

[@cheeseburger9232]

Some thing he says, sounds like AC

[@celticdude4686]

Thanks for the great video. My wife and I are looking for a house. She keeps pointing out old homes from the late 1800s to late 1900s. This was a great video for her to see.

[@KevinKimmich44024]

If you know what to look for and do a really thorough inspection where you can crawl all through out the basement and see the floors and see the beams in the walls, then maybe.... My previous home was a 1837 structure. There was a lot of bad stuff and some good stuff. Every renovation was a major hassle. Nothing was square. The floor wasn't level. It definitely has a lot of character and soul though.

[@fastsetinthewest]

Going back in time to watch my most favorite Jesse video of all-time. Nostalgia baby, nostalgia. This was the first Jesse video I ever watched. I saw a tremendous work ethic here...

[@bobgrier3103]

Fascinating way to support the structure while removing the foundation. That's a new one on me. Very creative.

[@WeykampLandscape]

I work long days everyday all year doing landscape construction but I can’t even imagine starting that! I know you mentioned it’s cheaper than a new house, but Its gotta be easier and not That much more doing a new build. You got my respect though for taking on this project!

[@WeykampLandscape]

Reading other comments and seeing the house was built in 1820 makes more sense to save it.

[@maverickgood5204]

It’s in amazing shape for an 1820 house!

[@mcgoojr]

Hey Jake, you in Oakville?

[@Sugarkryptonite]

He said if they changed it the taxes would triple

[@MrJohnD1984]

Yeah, That is retarded. Build a new house.

[@sharonhilliard3780]

I am excited about your new series on the house . I started watching you on this house . so I am very glad you are back making videos about it again . good work Jessie

[@philipingram1667]

Thanks for the info on cold weather pours - very interesting project. You also showed where two small machines would out do one larger TLB and were handier. Great video - keep up the good work.

[@robbieeades1956]

Great video Jesse. I’ve been in construction since 1980 and have seen all kinds of remodeling jobs. You do an excellent job on every project that you do. I can’t wait to see the rest of the progress. Nice snowfall by the way, beautiful to look at but a pain to work in.

[@harryellingsworth8302]

As always a great video, one thing I will say Jesse you do a great job on telling what, how and why, one hell of a job, you Sr. know what you are doing, my hat goes off for you. looking forward to the next part of this build, stay safe my friend.

[@jmuller86]

thanks

[@jplunkett3647]

totally like your editing = fast forward select portions rather than deleting provides a much better understanding FOR us KZbinrs of your Projects

[@HM-zu6lu]

Super job! It is the way it should be done properly.! Don't forget to put underoofing asphalt sheets underneath the buttom timber (the swedish way) in order to prevent rot of all lower timer in the walls.If you are replacing the timber, then new impregnated timber is usefull and it will last till after us. HM. Senior Building inspector

[@t.t.5324]

Lots of good information in this video. Jesse you guys always do a great job. Your attention to detail is outstanding. That FLIR app is amazing. Thanks for the video.

[@BillyLapTop]

Truly, from beginning to end this will be an amazing project. Going the extra mile and saving the old structure is the cherry on the sundae.

[@arisaka9963]

Your videos are excellent sir! You know just when to go to fast forward, and when to show the work in real time. And interesting camera angles too! It’s obvious you put a lot of thought and care into your editing and production. Great job!

[@G-Man-kc2nm]

Very nice work. I remember those cold snowed NY State days. I excavated and did some concrete work for as long as the weather let me. In the winter I logged in the winter. Thanks for the video. Looking forward to see the project progress.

[@thomasbailey8306]

Your doing a Great Job on that house Bud. Doing a foundation on an assisting house is tough. I did my home 25 years ago. And I will never do another. I made a piece that goes on the side of your bucket instead of tearing up the floor. I lived in the house while I did it...LOL..I wish i would of pattoned the piece I made it worked Slick...Great Video Bud...You Guys got hammered with the snow...Wow...

[@offgridcabinbelgium]

Great work again Jesse! As a contractor I know how working from an idea to rough calculations slowly you come to the point of no return. When that last support has to be removed you keep telling yourself " I know nothing bad is going to happen". Hart rate go's up and than when everything is fine you realize; now I really have to get the work done. Thanks for sharing!

[@jmuller86]

yea thats how this was. customer also wanted to change it to a full basement at the last second, but I said its getting too close to subzero weather and I already set it up to be where its at. I suggested that we could hand dig the other part of the basement that is left and pour a slab in there, on snowy/rainy/cold days, he agreed. so that will be in another video

[@jmuller86]

@@offgridcabinbelgium yea that is crazy. I am actually mostly Dutch myself, with a little german and native american. I have done my share of foundation installations under the water table

[@TrailTrackers]

I've been watching off and on and this project finally got me to subscribe and bell. I'm retired and am getting tired of watching the same ole stuff from everybody on here. But this type of project is worth watching; brings back memories. These are the type projects I loved doing. And to @sean tap... Your comment is basically correct, except for people with a lot of money when dealing with some older buildings. Some things just aren't meant to be torn down and there are people willing to pay to have this done; I did it a few times and it pays really well for sure.

[@jmuller86]

thanks, we have a few more neat things coming up on this project

[@sandersonshomestead6818]

I have did 4 projects like this over the last couple years fixing earthquake damage here in Alaska. Nice to see a video like this! well done

[@johnpyle8027]

That house must sit on one heck of a piece of property and mean something to someone! I can't believe there is any money to be made. Given the quality of modular homes today that would have been my answer. My dad was a masonry contractor and he got a job one summer when I was a teenager replacing about a dozen foundations in a rental neighborhood. We used screw jacks and poles to just take the weight off one wall at a time, toothed the block and made our way around. These houses were probably built in the 60s and a thousand maybe 1200 sq ft at the most. The minute you took the weight off the wall would cave in and we hand dug the dirt and blocks out and used wheel barrows to haul back out for back fill! We worked like slaves and I know my dad cleaned up $$$ on them! Hardest I ever worked!

[@nicholasdellamorte4626]

Nice Job Jesse... I was shaking my head in the beginning but you and your guys are doing a great job.... Love these videos.

[@jerrygibs8120]

I'm a retired builder Jessie. U have my respect and admiration. Appreciate your work ethics. Be strong, healthy, careful and successful. Keep the videos coming. God bless you, family and crew. God bless America. ☝️🙏🙏💪☃️🌲👉...🙌

[@markreetz1001]

A great Saturday morning starting with a Muller video! I never thought of that type of support for putting a foundation under a structure. I don't know why it shouldn't. I've seen that type of support for other applications. Makes sense. Glad to see the upgrade on the skidsteer in use. Sure made a difference. Great vid Jesse!

[@joelongrid7625]

Great video. When you had the LVL's up I thought to myself "should hold great as long as it doesn't snow" then there's 18" of snow. Love these types of remodels. Great job.

[@ksook13]

Jesse, just have to say I am always impressed with your work! You really are Great at it,

[@michelem1446]

Jesse, I'm enjoying these two series. Don't waste your time responding to the haters. Concentrate on the legitimate questions.

[@jmuller86]

thanks, I try to. its hard because I have to keep repeating myself, hoping that they will read a comment that I wrote before so I start getting less of the same comment

[@maidenlord6663]

I like your videos the reason is is because how you do stuff is how a regular guy would really do things

[@oldtimeengineer26]

I love seeing old buildings saved thank you for do this.

[@davidmellott5049]

I like the speed that your showing this at, a-lot gets done in a hurry, we don't need to watch 5 or 6 episodes.

[@bradstubbings9871]

That's amazing the way you supported the building first. Glad to see that you are not going to use any of the dirt from underneath. It looks like a lot of wood debris in it. Can't wait to see the rest of the build.

[@DavidCinelli7815]

I liked your new project video building the foundation. I also recommended your channel to my cousin a downstate ny contractor.

[@brucebenson9651]

Great project Jesse. I'm looking forward to watching the progress. Takes guts to take this on!

[@bobcatsmith246]

I use too work for a company that poured basement walls, this is the first time I saw a footing poured on top of stone. Love the video's keep up the good work and god bless and stay safe.

[@compgeek22554]

Merry Christmas, The tracks, are a great addition. Thank you Jesus!!!

[@procatprocat9647]

Did Jesus invent tracks, or did he just provide them for this particular skid steer?

[@elijahcavin2408]

The 360 cam on the ceiling was awesome! The little 35g is a great little machine.

[@jeffmayeux1692]

Jesse, I loved the camera work especially when you poured the concrete. Not only was your video informative, but entertaining. Keep up the great work on construction and video editing.

[@taderdigger4115]

I just did this exact same job, took out every wall and supported the roof with basement jacks. Poured new footers and framed it all then sat the roof back down on it. Started December 22nd and moved in the 25th of September.

[@redlinepaul410]

We had a 2 family on top of a brick and clay foundation. We lowered the basement floor 2 1/2 feet to get 8 foot ceilings. The 2 family was 24x58 ft. we dug inside the basement 5-6 ft. sections at a time and formed out the footings 12x18 inches than use 12 blocks all the way to first sub floor. We also used 2 bottle jacks, railroad tide, many straps and 2 old 4in metal fence posts to keep the floor jacked during the dig. Blocks and forming was quick but we dug the footing by shovel which was the worst part of all. We didn't move none of the side framed walls. We replaced the completely brick and clay foundation just under 3 weeks . And 14 single axle dump truck loads of dirt. We got it done in budge $15k with 2 guys, my dad, my uncle and myself. Use my friend's old dump truck just paid for fuel and 2 new batteries only.

[@TomJones-zm3kz]

You and your crew did an incredible job. This is incredible!

[@motor2of7]

Get that snow off the roof! It is far heavier than it looks. In a situation like that, everything is great until it isn’t, and when it isn’t it’s catastrophic. Impressive work.

[@jmuller86]

I did shovel the snow off of that roof, it wasnt fun

[@glg3945]

Fascinating problem solving! Really impressive work. Merry Christmas and a great new year! Peace and good fortune and good health to you and your family.

[@mariowickel456]

Glad you worked with Andrew that's how I found your channel last year . Keep up the videos I look forward to them Merry Christmas to you and yours

[@bradleyschneider3871]

Man much respect for you to take on a job like this....you must have said from the start you want me to do WHAT to the building and foundation.How the heck do you bid something like this add or subtract 10 thousand .kudos to you brother!!

[@bradleyschneider3871]

I had a brother in law that used to do this sort of a thing only it was replacing old barn footings so I see the method of your madness! That was back in the late 70s he did this.

[@zzegermans]

Thank you for the great video. Better then watching a good movie. If u make a 2 hour one I think people would just buy some popcorn and make it an evening.. Always nice to see a professional thinking out of the box . Thanks Jesse

[@JDHood]

Absolute Heroic Effort! Much respect to you sir!!

[@michaelhooyman4453]

Never seen a whole building done like this before and it's impressive . . . Some times you amaze me. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@jameshattaway7017]

Very, very good video, Jesse. Merry Christmas and God bless.

[@genesenecal9140]

Look at the work you guys went through to demo it. In 1820 All done by hand and probably some type of animal Ox or horse. You're very good at problem solving for sure.

[@Military-Museum-LP]

Your concrete trucks are so cool in America. Thanks for your video an sharing your life.

[@jmuller86]

this is an old truck. havent seen these much. I usually get the newer ones

[@h20s8804]

This is an impressive video and really good work. The moment during the pour i thought to myself, "Where's your Verts, dude?" Up comes text to tell me under an existing wall it's easier to epoxy them in. There's a lot of garbage video on youtube. This is not. Thanks for sharing!

[@cd1168]

Been watching you for a while. You’re very talented in lots of areas

[@ahwootton5]

Great series so far Jesse. I didn't realise that you've been helping Andrew too.

[@doumor99]

I love the concrete trucks they tried those in Phoenix, AZ one year and all they did was scoop the 110 degree air into them. They use ICE here to make concrete. All plants have a ice house. plus they usually pour at first light in the summer which means on the job around 2 AM

[@markwinblad5867]

Just fantastic! The ingenuity and knowledge to do that really is phenomenal. Thanks for the education and entertainment!!

[@donnal.oglesby4806]

a Great undertaking and a lot of work, but this is gonna be awesome when this is all done, and look forward to all the videos of all this work.. such a shame you could not save the floors, but can understand why you couldn't and therefore didn't. As a Genealogy researcher, I am always looking to preserve as much as possible of family history, and thus why I see old floors want to preserve the history of that as well, but again understand why it was not possible. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas.

[@AndrewCamarata]

That’s a big project, if you were to do this again do you think you would do it differently? That crane could probably pick up that entire building, and then build a foundation and put it back

[@jmuller86]

This is really nothing compared to the projects I have done over the years. This bedroom/bathroom is attached to the main part of the building and if we were to separate them, it would be twice as heavy as just picking up the one half like we did, plus it would have no shear strength and could fold up hanging it from the soffit/fascia. I think the crane could pick it up though, there just isnt a good way to attach to it. I wouldn't change anything if I had to do it again. The customer asked me if we could go full height on the basement instead of a crawlspace but that was just before pouring the footings so It was really a big change. We had this planned out to be a crawlspace for a while, and animals/air/bugs/water were getting underneath the way it was. We are starting to install a geothermal system in this house, using the pond for the source loop. Keeping this building intact is a way to not add 4k in tax increases every year (compared to building new).

[@dmmaddex]

That's a pretty clever solution, Jesse. You do nice work.

[@mykalmcb]

Thanks Jesse, I always learn so much when watching your videos.

[@costarica6536]

My hat's off to you for undertaking such a challenging rebuild...you really have thought through the smallest of details regarding the grade issue. Watching the interior demolition made me wonder if there was asbestos in the plaster or lead paint...it's those things that keep me from buying and renovating an older house and I always worry for those doing that kind of work.

[@spideybrent]

Hello from Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada. Great show’s thanks for sharing with us.

[@bigmotter001]

Great work Jesse. It's nice to see something different for a change, but we absolutely love all of your videos. Have a great holidays and take care.

[@JayNguyen-qd7fk]

Years ago...I did similar under a three story frame house..built on sand..! Oh my...it was DELICATE WORK..! Lol good luck...

[@glynndavies5659]

lot of work going into this property and as usual it's with your impeccable style. looking forward to the next installment(s). happy holidays!!

[@sorsim28]

Thank you for the early Christmas present. All the best to you and your family and friends.

[@danaskubic2145]

I'm very impressed by your work on this project. Great content and video, thanks for sharing. That snow will insulate the ground outside of the footings. That will be a great benefit. Looking forward to seeing the upcoming videos.

[@jameshaynie4570]

I had seen plutocrats to support a structure for joint one or compounding foundation used one observatories one up to add a room under it. This is the first time I have seen your method, good luck.

[@KevinKimmich44024]

this gives me flashbacks to renovating my old century home--it had an addition that was built sometime after the original house, which was on a good rubble foundation which was quarried on site. The addition was just up on some nice slabs of sandstone from the property that probably would have worked if they had just done another couple layers, but it was too close to the ground and allowed too much moisture to get up into the timbers and rot them out over the decades. It's good to see your really good and thorough approach to this build.

[@tamaralee4108]

Excellent comments about using T section for wood columns to prevent buckling.

[@Bluecollarspartan92]

Jesse always puts out really interesting, high quality videos. I can’t wait for the next one!

[@DMountains]

Thanks for the informative video. You did some clever and minimalist engineering with the cantilever supports. There are rock strainer tools made for skid steers. I understand they can be rented and make the job of separating rocks from fill dirt a lot quicker.

[@terrymcgillicuddy8056]

Great job Jesse. Merry Christmas.

[@evgeny_grinko]

Your videos are getting better and better, thanks for your hard work 👍

[@markbrown6236]

That house has become quite the project. Looks like you are going to be able to save that fireplace.

[@elliskev2]

Your experience and skill shows very well.

[@samuelbacon1596]

Jesse ,, as always you pull a rabbit out of your hat,,,,,,, thank you for the FYI about the thermal image app on the phone.... greatly appreciated that the footers or footings very informative about keeping the heat on the other side of it..... just an FYI when you’re pulling up plywood if you can save it I’m cheap and when I used to drop stone all the time the pick up with my skid steer,,,, I always dropped on OSB,,,,before It went to 2250 a sheet... I always keep a spare plywood around the land stone and do other stupid things with you got enough space...... I’m a big one for saving reusable structure lumber also for forms and and the last thing a good fire learned that from a big construction company back in the 70s......... happy holidays keep up the great work I know you got a ton of snow hope you’re snowmobiling I’m jealous junkmando

[@rickbell3402]

You do take on some difficult challenges! Looks to me like you’re up for these challenges!

[@wymershandymanservice9965]

Just gotta love the old school approach you have. Because that’s what built American 🇺🇸. Whether anyone wants to admit it we all have more time than money in the normal world. Besides why pay someone to do a job for you that you know in your heart you could do better. Excellent 👍content. 🇺🇸🦅🌏⚓️🇺🇸

[@bobm2331]

Sounds like you guys did your home work. Enjoy watching and leaning. Thanks and Happy New Year Jesse

[@williammcdonnell3748]

another great vid to show of you & your crews skills, nice one guys

[@chrisdawson6380]

Couldn't have had much worse weather but you soldiered on -Great job 👍

[@daddybob6096]

Just as i do with Andrew, i admire your initiative as well Jesse. Well done with this job. Merry Christmas. Bob. New Zealand.

[@plumber802]

You are an awesome videographer Jesse!!!

[@Sixguns1]

These videos of this project are excellent and I watch them completely, something I don't always do. Keep up the good work both in the field and in the production of the videos.

[@465maltbie]

Too much snow for me, thanks for sharing, looks like a heck of a lot of work. Charles

[@cleasonleasure4832]

Certainly don’t miss working in the peoples Republic of New York in the winter anymore doing a good job though. I’ve got 45 years in construction you’re doing a good job.

[@jmuller86]

thanks

[@philipmorehouse1069]

Great job, Jesse, love watching your channel - very clever work and well done on the video and background music.

[@horstszibulski19]

How to build a floating home...for a few weeks... :-D Great job! Done this a few years ago, but with two walls sticking out from a wall to support a terrace, they were too short in the ground and pulled up moisture, cracking the plastering...was hell of work with only hand tools and a wheelbarrow... Thx for the vid, looking out for the series! :-D

[@UptownNYC]

I LOVE CONSTRUCTION VIDS!! Human ingenuity at its finest!! 💪💪

[@karlcarnevale4948]

Great job Jesse and crew.

[@johnnymelendez4836]

Great work Jesse,seeing the house supports still standing with all that snow is a testament to your experience and quality work.👌 HAPPY HOLIDAYS⛄🗽🇺🇸

[@CrimeVid]

Jesse, I read the comments,and I am pleased to see that some people understand the game well enough to understand why not to knock the house down and start again ! There is a thing in the UK which makes it imperative not to demolish a building in a national park, don’t do it you will not get permission to rebuild at all in some of them ! This is not entirely a bad thing, because it stops rich idiots buying a nice little farmhouse a couple of hundred years old and building something huge,ugly and tasteless and made of unsuitable materials, in a conservation area !

[@SoulfulMelodies8]

This is serious work, great video

[@corydriver7634]

It’s amazing how well those old sills held up considering they were practically sitting in dirt. Though it looks like the sidewall sills had been replace at some point.

[@chasingretirement]

Saw this whole build featured on Quantum Tech HD channel. How cool that 1.3 million people have seen this on their channel.

[@jesuslovesyou8280]

Great videos. Many Blessings to you and your family and your guys.

[@lorengolliher2712]

That's pretty amazing that's a lot of work but in the house you guys do a heck of a job Merry Christmas to you and your family I enjoy your channel

[@MaverickandStuff]

I did something similar to a enclosed porch. A deck was attached to it and rotted out all of the frame for the floor and the lower part of the walls (It was held up with a few red bricks on end). I ended up tearing everything out but the roof and hand dug footings. I extended it a little and now it is the back mud room and a master bathroom/walk in closet.

[@jamesshaw3850]

4/30/24 my home was built in 1930. Mine is the exact same scenario as this and I am doing this by myself. Taking lots of notes from upstate new york