Underpinning
Basement Underpinning & Foundation Lowering Services in GTA
What Is Underpinning?
Basement underpinning is a structural process used to lower the existing basement floor while reinforcing the foundation. It is commonly performed to:
-Increase usable basement ceiling height
-Create livable basement space
-Prepare for a legal secondary suite
-Improve property value
-Correct shallow or aging foundations
Underpinning is not cosmetic work — it is a structural engineering procedure that must be carefully designed and executed.
When Is Underpinning Required?
Homeowners typically require underpinning when:
-Basement ceiling height is below livable standards
-Converting a basement into legal living space
-Adding secondary suites or rental units
-Improving comfort and natural light
-Renovating older Toronto homes with shallow foundations
-Performing major structural renovations
-If done improperly, underpinning can compromise the entire house.
Our Underpinning Services
We provide full-scope underpinning solutions, including:
-Structural feasibility assessment
-Foundation condition evaluation
-Engineering design & load path analysis
-Permit drawings & city approval
-Step-by-step excavation sequencing
-Concrete pours & foundation reinforcement
-Waterproofing & drainage upgrades
-Final inspection coordination
Each project follows a controlled, phased underpinning method to ensure safety and stability at all times.
Underpinning for Legal Basements & Additions
Underpinning is often the first step toward:
-Legal secondary suites
-Basement apartments
-Full basement renovations
-Home additions requiring deeper foundations
We coordinate underpinning seamlessly with basement finishing, additions, and permit planning.