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BRK Solutions - South Shore Construction

Your integrated contractor on Montreal's South Shore

BRK Solutions serves the entire South Shore with deep expertise in local challenges: clay soils, municipal regulations, and unique characteristics of residential and commercial buildings in Longueuil, Brossard, Saint-Lambert and surrounding areas.

Founded by two engineer brothers, our company brings together structural engineering and general contracting under one roof. An integrated approach for faster, more precise projects with no surprises.

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15+
Years of combined experience
500+
South Shore projects completed
12
Cities served
100%
Client satisfaction

Construction Expertise Adapted to the South Shore

We understand the South Shore's unique challenges: clay soils, river proximity, municipal regulations, and diverse building stock.

Geotechnical Challenges

South Shore clay soils (Champlain clay) swell and shrink with moisture, creating movements that stress foundations. We design foundation and drainage solutions specifically adapted to these conditions.

Diverse Building Stock

From Saint-Lambert with its century-old heritage homes to Brossard with modern developments, each area presents distinct characteristics requiring adapted approach.

Local Regulations

Each South Shore municipality has specific requirements. We master the permit processes and standards of Longueuil, Brossard, Saint-Lambert, Boucherville and other regional cities.

Why South Shore Foundations Require Special Attention

The South Shore's geology presents unique challenges directly affecting residential and commercial foundation stability. Champlain marine clay, deposited approximately 10,000 years ago during the post-glacial period, comprises the majority of surface soils in Longueuil, Brossard, Saint-Lambert, and Boucherville areas.

This clay has a problematic property: it is expansive. When it absorbs water, it swells. When it dries, it shrinks. These swell-shrink cycles create differential movements in the soil, generating uneven pressures on foundations. Over years, these repeated movements cause cracks, settlement, and unevenness.

Proximity to the St. Lawrence River aggravates the situation in several areas. Groundwater levels are high, particularly in spring during snowmelt. High groundwater exerts hydrostatic pressure on foundation walls and increases clay swelling potential. Inadequate drainage amplifies these problems.

BRK Solutions systematically addresses these challenges by evaluating specific geotechnical conditions at your property before any intervention. Our engineers design foundation solutions accounting for clay soil bearing capacity, anticipated seasonal movements, and drainage requirements. This proactive approach prevents future problems and ensures longevity of your real estate investment.

Our Construction Services on the South Shore

Foundation Repairs and Underpinning

Foundation settlement is common on the South Shore due to clay soils and varying construction practices over decades. BRK Solutions offers complete foundation repair and reinforcement solutions.

  • Underpinning: For settled or insufficient foundations, we excavate beneath existing foundation in sections, pour new reinforced concrete footings at adequate depth, and restore bearing capacity.
  • Structural crack repair: Epoxy or polyurethane injection for active cracks, sealing and waterproofing, anchor installation if necessary to control movements.
  • Foundation wall reinforcement: For bowed or cracked walls, steel or concrete buttress installation, interior retaining walls, or carbon fiber reinforcement depending on situation.
  • Perimeter drainage: Installation or replacement of French drains, waterproof membranes, sump pumps - essential for controlling moisture in clay soils.

Each foundation project begins with complete structural evaluation by our engineers. We identify root cause of problems - often related to inadequate drainage or unforeseen loads - and propose lasting solutions that definitively resolve the issue.

Concrete Work - Foundations, Walls & Slabs

Concrete is the fundamental construction material for foundations, retaining walls, garage slabs and other structural elements. On the South Shore, concrete quality and workmanship are critical due to intense freeze-thaw cycles and problematic soils.

  • New foundations: Excavation, formwork, rebar per engineer plans, high-performance freeze-resistant concrete pour, drainage and waterproofing installation. Full compliance with Quebec Construction Code.
  • Reinforced concrete retaining walls: For grade changes frequent on South Shore, engineered walls with adequate drainage and structural capacity for clay soil lateral loads.
  • Garage and basement slabs: Granular base preparation, vapor barrier, wire mesh or fibers, pouring and finishing. Control joints to manage concrete shrinkage.
  • Existing slab reinforcement: For cracked or settled slabs, structural evaluation, injection if required, reinforced concrete overlay or replacement depending on severity.

Our engineering background distinguishes us in concrete work. We specify proper strengths, appropriate additives for our climate, and supervise pouring to guarantee quality. Poorly done concrete is expensive to repair - we do it right the first time.

Additions and Structural Modifications

South Shore homeowners often choose to expand their home rather than move, taking advantage of generally larger lots than in Montreal. Vertical additions (additional story), horizontal (extension), or garage conversions require rigorous structural engineering.

  • Horizontal additions: Independent or connected new foundations, framing coordinated with existing structure, harmonious architectural integration. Complete municipal permit management.
  • Story addition: Existing structural capacity evaluation, foundation and load-bearing wall reinforcement if required, additional story frame design, roof connection.
  • Load-bearing wall openings: For open kitchen or improved circulation, load calculations, sized beam installation (steel, glulam, or LVL), temporary support during work.
  • Basement or garage conversion: Ceiling height evaluation, waterproofing, insulation, structural modifications per new use. Code compliance for habitable spaces.

A well-designed addition adds significant value to your property. Done poorly, it creates costly structural problems. BRK Solutions ensures your addition is solid, durable, and compliant - because we are the engineers AND the builders.

Turnkey Project Management

A major construction or renovation project involves multiple trades, permits, inspections, and complex coordination. Our integrated approach eliminates silos between engineering and execution, reducing delays and surprises.

  • Design and engineering: Architectural and structural plans, engineer calculations, professional seal, municipal submissions. All prepared in-house.
  • Permit management: Submission to city (Longueuil, Brossard, or other municipality), follow-up with planners and inspectors, responses to comments, certificate acquisition.
  • Trade coordination: Excavation, concrete, framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, finishing - sequenced and supervised to meet schedule.
  • Quality control and compliance: Regular inspections, plan compliance verification, preparation for municipal inspections, immediate corrections if necessary.

You have one contact from start to finish: one of the founding engineer brothers. No transfers between suppliers, no excuses, no finger-pointing. One team, one responsibility, results.

Cities and Areas Served on the South Shore

Complete service throughout Montreal's South Shore

Longueuil Agglomeration

  • Le Vieux-Longueuil
  • Saint-Hubert
  • Greenfield Park
  • LeMoyne
  • Saint-Lambert
  • Brossard
  • Boucherville

Eastern Montérégie

  • Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
  • Beloeil
  • Mont-Saint-Hilaire
  • Otterburn Park
  • McMasterville
  • Sainte-Julie
  • Varennes

Western Montérégie

  • Candiac
  • La Prairie
  • Sainte-Catherine
  • Delson
  • Châteauguay
  • Mercier
  • Saint-Constant

Your city not listed? We also offer our services in surrounding municipalities depending on project nature. Contact us to discuss your area.

South Shore Client Testimonials

What our South Shore clients say about our services

"Our foundation had significant cracks and was settling on one side. BRK did complete evaluation, explained the problem (clay soil and drainage), and permanently repaired with underpinning. Two years later, no new problems. Excellent professional work."

Martin Tremblay

Longueuil (Le Vieux-Longueuil)

"Addition to our Saint-Lambert home - the brothers managed everything A to Z. Engineering plans, city permit, excavation, foundation, framing, electrical and plumbing coordination. Complex project on sloped lot, completed in 12 weeks as planned. Very satisfied!"

Isabelle & David Morin

Saint-Lambert

"BRK poured the complete foundation and basement of our new Brossard construction. Impeccable work, standards compliance, good drainage installed to avoid future problems. The fact they're engineers AND contractors was very reassuring. I recommend without hesitation."

François Dubois

Brossard

"Century-old Greenfield Park house with bowed and cracked foundation walls. BRK installed steel buttresses and redid perimeter drainage. Excellent communication, clean site despite difficult backyard access. Fair price for work quality."

Catherine Bergeron

Greenfield Park

"Load-bearing wall opening between kitchen and living room. BRK did calculations, provided plans for Boucherville permit, installed steel beam, and supervised work. Everything went smoothly. The advantage of having engineer and contractor on same team is huge."

Stéphane Leclerc

Boucherville

"Complete garage slab in Saint-Bruno. BRK properly prepared base, installed drainage, poured and finished concrete. Impeccable result, no cracks after one year. Professional service from start to finish. We'll call them for our next projects."

Julie & Marc Fontaine

Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville

Frequently Asked Questions - South Shore Construction

Answers to specific questions about construction on Montreal's South Shore

Montreal's South Shore sits largely on clay soils (Champlain clay) that are subject to swelling and shrinking with moisture variations. These cyclical movements create uneven pressures on foundations, causing cracks and settlement. Additionally, proximity to the St. Lawrence River in several areas raises groundwater levels, exacerbating drainage and moisture problems. BRK Solutions systematically evaluates soil conditions before any structural intervention and designs foundation and drainage solutions adapted to these specific challenges.
Timelines vary by project complexity and work type. For minor renovations, expect 2-4 weeks. For major projects requiring engineering plans (additions, structural modifications), timelines can reach 6-10 weeks. The City of Longueuil requires engineer-sealed plans for any structural work, which is our specialty. BRK Solutions manages the entire permit process, including preparation of compliant plans, municipal submissions, and follow-up with inspectors.
Yes, BRK Solutions serves the entire Montreal South Shore, including Longueuil (and its boroughs Le Vieux-Longueuil, Saint-Hubert, Greenfield Park), Brossard, Saint-Lambert, Boucherville, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Candiac, La Prairie, Sainte-Catherine, Châteauguay, Beloeil, and surrounding areas. Our Longueuil base allows us to respond quickly anywhere in the territory.
South Shore residential areas present varied configurations: narrow driveways, backyards without vehicle access, proximity to neighbors. We meticulously plan logistics before each project: appropriate equipment (mini-excavator when needed), protection of adjacent properties, neighborhood communication, coordination of concrete and material deliveries. Our local experience allows us to anticipate and resolve these access issues efficiently.
Absolutely. We have deep expertise in renovation and restoration of heritage and older buildings. These structures present unique challenges: stone foundations, solid wood framing, historic construction techniques. Our engineers assess structural condition, design interventions respectful of building integrity while meeting modern codes, and our team executes work with the care and precision required to preserve architectural character.
Yes, with proper planning and engineering. Clay soils require particular attention for new foundations: adequate depth below frost line, effective perimeter drainage, structural connection with existing building if applicable. BRK Solutions performs preliminary geotechnical evaluation, designs foundations sized for loads and soil conditions, and supervises execution to ensure durability. Our additions are designed to last as long as the main structure.
Costs vary considerably depending on damage extent and required solution. Minor crack repairs with epoxy injection can cost $2,000-$5,000. Underpinning or structural reinforcement work for settlement can range from $15,000 to $50,000+ depending on scope. BRK Solutions offers free evaluation by our engineers who establish precise diagnosis and recommend optimal solutions based on your budget and priorities.
Duration depends on project nature. Foundation repairs: 1-3 weeks. Concrete work (slab, walls): 1-2 weeks. Residential additions: 8-16 weeks depending on complexity. Interior structural modifications: 2-6 weeks. These timelines include permit acquisition, execution, and final inspections. BRK Solutions provides detailed schedule from the start and proactively communicates any necessary adjustments. Our integrated approach reduces timelines compared to traditional management separating engineering and construction.

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Whether for foundation repair, an addition, or complete construction project, BRK Solutions offers the integrated expertise you need.

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