Foundation Strengthening & Basement Lowering Experts
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About This Service
Underpinning in Toronto and the GTA can strengthen an existing foundation or allow a basement floor to be lowered for more headroom. Basement lowering changes the relationship between the floor and existing footings, so the right approach begins with a structural assessment and approved drawings rather than a standard depth or method.
With full underpinning, work is carried out in carefully sequenced sections beneath the existing foundation, followed by new concrete as specified by the engineer. Bench footings are the other common approach: a new concrete bench is poured inside the existing foundation line to support the wall from within, which can be faster and less invasive but reduces usable floor area along the foundation walls. The design team determines which option suits the property.
Many basement lowering projects combine both — underpinning the perimeter walls in sections and using bench footings where interior walls or access conditions make it the better fit. Excavation, access, drainage, waterproofing and the new floor are all important to plan around the structural work. Share your current basement dimensions, desired finished height, site photos and any drawings when asking for a quote.
What We Handle
Full UnderpinningFull underpinning takes the foundation deeper in numbered, alternating sections — dig a section, pour new concrete to the engineer's spec, let it cure, move to the next. Done right, the house stays supported from start to finish.
BenchingWhen digging under the wall isn't the right call, bench footings are the alternative: a new concrete bench is poured inside the foundation line to carry the wall from within. It's often faster with less excavation — the trade-off is some floor space along the outside walls.
How It Works
Engineers assess the foundation and design the underpinning plan.
We underpin in alternating sections to maintain structural stability.
New foundation sections are poured and cured to specification.
The new foundation is waterproofed and the space is prepared for finishing.
Good to Know
Contact us once you have a foundation assessment or basement-lowering plans. Scheduling depends on engineering, approvals, site access, and crew availability.
Foundation changes typically require engineered drawings and municipal approval. Confirm the requirements with your designer and municipality before construction.
Work proceeds in sections rather than removing the whole foundation at once. Expect excavation, concrete work, noise, and restricted access near the work area.
Cost depends on the existing foundation, the amount of lowering, floor area, access for removing soil, structural design, soil and groundwater conditions, and drainage or waterproofing requirements. A site review and drawings are needed for a meaningful quote; we do not publish a flat price for this structural work.
A bench footing is a new concrete support poured inside the existing foundation wall, so the wall keeps its support without digging beneath it. It's often faster and less disruptive than full underpinning, but the bench takes up some floor space along the walls. Whether bench footings, full underpinning, or a combination is right depends on the structure and the approved design.
A bench solution supports the existing footing with an interior concrete bench, reducing some usable floor space. Full underpinning extends support below the existing footing in engineered stages. The appropriate option depends on your foundation, desired height and the approved structural design.
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