Basement Underpinning Toronto, GTA & Southern Ontario

There are several steps in the process of underpinning and we handle all of the details during each stage of the project. Before any work actually gets underway, new floor plans and structural modifications must be documented with a new floor plan.

Planning - the planning stage must include an engineer and architect. We have access to experienced engineers and architects that will work with you to plan your new space and apply for all of the proper permits to begin the work. Because underpinning requires moving and extending the load bearing walls under the house, having the right permits and municipal approval is a legal necessity.

Please note that no project will be carried out without the required permits and stamped architectural/engineering drawings.
 

Preparation - once the planning stage is completed, and the appropriate permits issued, preparations are made for the actual underpinning job. These preparations include rerouting the connections to your furnace so that heating pipes are out of way. Additionally, temporary support structures, including vertical jacks, have to be installed to ensure the structure of the house remains stable during the basement lowering construction.

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Basement Underpinning (Floor Lowering) - The existing concrete floor has to be removed and the soil excavated to a proper elevation. Once that’s done, we are ready to proceed with the underpinning. The perimeter of the basement is divided into sections numbered 1, 2, and 3. First, sections # 1 are dug out, then filled with concrete, a two inch space must be left between the newly poured concrete and the original foundation, then this gap is filled with non-shrink grout. The same procedure is followed for sections # 2 and # 3.
 

Now that your new foundation walls are in place, old plumbing can be removed, and new plumbing put in its place. You will be provided with new plumbing rough-ins that will enable you to create your desired space. At this point we will install a reliable waterproofing system to make sure your basement stays dry, it consists of internal weeping tiles, a waterproofing membrane and a sump pump. To get ready for the pouring of the new concrete floor we evenly place four to six inches of gravel throughout the basement. Finally, a new concrete slab is poured. Once the concrete is dry, your new basement is ready to use!