Foundation Excavation in Kensington, CA – MPH Deconstruction

Your Trusted Partner Serving Kensington, CA

Foundation Services in Kensington & Contra Costa County

At MPH Deconstruction, we get it: a solid foundation isn’t just important—it’s everything. Especially here in Kensington, where hillside homes and older properties demand extra care. We’re proud to serve Kensington and the rest of Contra Costa County, offering precise foundation excavation and more for both residential and commercial projects. Whether you’re planning a new build near Arlington Boulevard or need to fix a settling foundation on a steep lot off Colusa Avenue, we’ll make sure your project starts on solid ground. Honestly, that’s the only way to do it around here.

Our Foundation Services in Kensington

Foundation Excavation

Proper excavation is critical to the longevity and stability of your structure—especially in Kensington, where clay-rich soil and hillside lots are the norm. Our team conducts thorough site assessments to figure out the right depth and technique, ensuring a solid base for your foundation. We've worked on projects near the Kensington Park area, and know how to handle those tricky slopes.

Foundation Installation

We specialize in installing various types of foundations—slab-on-grade, crawl space, and basement foundations. Here's the thing: your soil conditions in Kensington can change block by block. That's why we work closely with you to pick the best type for your project. Whether you're building a new home off Moeser Lane or adding a commercial structure near the BART station, we've got the local know-how.

Foundation Repair and Reinforcement

Over time, foundations can develop issues—cracks, settling, you name it. That's especially true in Kensington, where the older homes (we're talking mid-century gems near the Berkeley border) need a little extra TLC. Our repair services address these problems quickly, using proven methods to restore your foundation's strength and prevent further damage. We've fixed up plenty of foundations on streets like Terrace Drive and Ashby Avenue.

Seismic Retrofitting

In earthquake-prone areas like the Bay Area, seismic retrofitting is essential. We strengthen existing foundations to enhance their resistance to seismic activity, safeguarding your property and occupants.

Our Process

Consultation and Assessment: We start with a sit-down to really understand what you need. We’ll walk your Kensington property together—maybe near the Colusa Circle or up in the hills—and check soil conditions, access, and anything tricky.
Customized Planning: From there, we craft a plan that fits your timeline and budget. No cookie-cutter stuff. We factor in everything from the clay-heavy soil under Arlington Boulevard to local permitting in Contra Costa County.
Execution: Our crew gets to work with precision. Whether it’s foundation excavation for a home near Kensington Hilltop Park or a full commercial tear-down on San Pablo Avenue, we keep it safe and clean.
Inspection and Finalization: Once done, we triple-check everything. We make sure your foundation meets code—Kensington’s building standards are strict, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Why Choose MPH Deconstruction for Your Foundation Needs?

We follow a simple, no-nonsense process to get your project done right. Here’s how it works for Kensington homeowners and businesses:

Expertise and Experience

We've been at this for years. Our team knows Kensington's unique layout—the steep lots near the hills, the older homes off Moeser Lane, and the commercial strips that need careful, phased work. We handle everything from foundation excavation to full demolition with confidence, and we always keep your property's safety front and center.

Comprehensive Services

From initial site walk-throughs on Arlington Avenue to excavation in Kensington's clay-heavy soil and final foundation prep, we offer end-to-end services tailored to your project. We've worked on everything from cozy bungalows near Colusa Circle to larger commercial spaces off the San Pablo Dam Road corridor. No two jobs are the same, and that's how we like it.

Advanced Equipment

We bring in top-notch machinery that handles Kensington's tight lots and sloping streets. Our equipment doesn't just tear down—it works with precision, keeping noise and dust down for your neighbors near Poinsett Park. Safety's non-negotiable, and we make sure every job site meets Contra Costa County's standards. That's a promise.

Environmental Responsibility

We're big on salvage demolition. In Kensington, where folks care about sustainability and keeping the hills green, we prioritize sorting and recycling materials. Metal, concrete, lumber—we find new homes for what we can. It's not just good for the planet; it often means less waste heading to the dump. That's a win-win for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions -
Foundation Services in Kensington

What types of foundations do you install?

We install slab-on-grade, crawl space, and basement foundations, tailored to your project's requirements and site conditions.

How long does foundation work typically take?

The duration varies depending on the project's complexity and size. We provide a detailed timeline during the planning phase.

Do you handle permits and inspections?

Yes, we manage all necessary permits and coordinate inspections to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Can you work on existing structures?

Absolutely. We offer foundation repair and reinforcement services for existing buildings, enhancing their stability and longevity.

Ready to get started on your Kensington project?

If you’re planning new construction or a big renovation in Kensington, you already know the foundation is everything. The truth is, we’ve seen too many projects go sideways because someone skimped on the groundwork. At MPH Deconstruction, we’ve got decades of hands-on experience working with the unique soil conditions that define Kensington — think heavy clay mixed with rocky patches, especially near the hills off Arlington Boulevard. Whether you’re looking at a full foundation excavation for a custom home or reinforcing an older structure that’s settled over time, we tailor every solution to the specific demands of your property. We handle the tough stuff — the deep digging, the grading, the prep — so your new build or seismic upgrade stands solid for decades. We’ve worked on projects up and down Colusa Circle and into the quieter neighborhoods off Amherst Avenue, and we know how the ground behaves differently a block away. That local know-how, combined with our commitment to safety and durability, means you’re getting a foundation that’s built for Kensington’s landscape — not some one-size-fits-all approach. No shortcuts. Just honest work that lasts.

Kensington, an unincorporated community in Contra Costa County, has a population around 5,100. It sits on the Berkeley Hills, bordered by the Tilden Regional Park and the city of Berkeley, with a Mediterranean climate featuring mild, wet winters and dry summers. Many homes here were built in the mid-20th century, often with hillside foundations that face challenges from soil creep and the area’s clay-rich bedrock.

This geology makes Kensington properties prone to drainage issues and foundation shifts after heavy rains or drought cycles. Local homeowners increasingly need deconstruction services for outdated garages, hazardous retaining walls, and structures damaged by root intrusion from the surrounding eucalyptus and oak woodlands. Whether clearing a lot on Arlington Avenue for a modern rebuild or removing a cracked foundation on Colusa Circle, Kensington’s terrain demands experienced contractors who understand neighborhood-specific permitting through Contra Costa County.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kensington

I live on a steep lot near Tilden Park—do I need special permits for demolition in Kensington?

Yes, because Kensington is unincorporated Contra Costa County, you must obtain a demolition permit from the county's Building Inspection Department, not from a city. Hillside properties often require additional geotechnical reports and erosion control plans due to landslide risks, especially near Wildcat Canyon.

I want to remove a mid-century concrete garage on Colusa Circle—are there rules about asbestos in Kensington?

Many Kensington homes built before 1980, especially along Colusa Circle and Arlington, used asbestos-containing materials in siding, flooring, and roofing. Contra Costa County requires a certified asbestos survey before any demolition, and abatement must follow Bay Area Air Quality Management District rules to prevent airborne fibers.

Can you demolish a structure that's next to a Berkeley city limit boundary?

Yes, but we carefully coordinate with both Contra Costa County and the City of Berkeley if the property line or debris removal routes touch Berkeley jurisdiction. Kensington's proximity to Berkeley means we often use Berkeley transfer stations, but permits and noise ordinances remain county-specific.