Last week we finally heard back from the City that our construction drawings were approved.  So we didn’t waste anytime!  Within the week we completed our initial City site inspection and subsequently were given our shoring permit.  And, today we officially broke ground.  The contractor dug and poured 13, 20-foot deep caissons that abut the property line to the north.

Shoring was required before excavation because the short 5-foot distance from the neighbor’s property line and our new basement does not leave room for gradual grading that could prevent the earth from sliding into the hole that is dug.  So alternatively, the closely spaced caissons hold the dirt back and prevent any site disturbance to the neighbors property.  The caissons will need to set for 7 days before site excavation can begin.