According to Aquamaster Basement Waterproofing, the cost of basement underpinning in Toronto fluctuates between $80-$350+ per square foot. Per Square Foot Cost: $80-$350 per square foot. Total Basement Underpinning Cost in Toronto: $50,000+
What is Basement Underpinning?
Basement underpinning is a process of lowering basement floor. This process involves extending the depth of the foundation deeper into the ground. Once the foundation is lowered, the basement floor will be lowered as well. The outcome of basement underpinning is a lower basement floor, stronger foundation & more headroom in your basement.
There is a number of alternatives to basement underpinning that can potentially cost less – bench footing, crawlspace transformation.
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Factors Affecting Basement Underpinning Cost in Toronto
- Basement Underpinning Company: The quality and reputation of the company can impact pricing. Reputable contractors may charge more but often provide better workmanship.
- Type of Soil: Soil conditions affect the complexity and cost of underpinning. Clay soil is common in Toronto. It can be hard to work with because it expands, so you must be extra careful with moisture control and stability.
- Accessibility: Access to difficult areas may require more time and effort, increasing the total costs.
- Dimensions: The size of the basement, including length, width, and depth, directly influences the cost. Larger basements require more materials and labour.
- Location: Property location within Toronto can affect pricing due to variations in local regulations, permit costs, and labour rates.
- Type of Basement Underpinning: The costs of different methods, like the beam method, the piling method, or the mass concrete pour method, depending on the project’s complexity and what materials are needed.
- Structural Material Type and Quality: The choice and quality of materials, including concrete, cement, and beams, impact cost and durability.
Extra Work Required: Foundation crack repair, waterproofing, or installing drainage systems can increase the overall project cost. - Depth of Underpinning: Deeper underpinning projects are generally more expensive due to increased excavation and material requirements.
The total cost of underpinning in Toronto depends on these factors. The price can run from $85 to $450 per square foot, and the project usually costs $35,000 to $100,000 or more.
What is included in Basement Underpinning Toronto?
To better understand the cost of basement underpinning let’s first understand what is included in basement underpinning. While every basement floor lowering service may have a different scope, here is an example of an average project.
An average basement underpinning project includes the following stages:
Basement Underpinning Stages | Average Cost |
Preparation
| $2,500-$4,500 (reputable basement underpinning companies may include this in the total price) |
Basement Underpinning Project
|
Basement Underpinning Cost Toronto
Based on the information available on the websites of basement underpinning providers in Toronto, we’ve created a list of just how much basement Underpinning can cost you in Toronto.
Company | Price |
Aquamaster | $85-$350 per square foot, $35,000-$50,000 |
Direct | $350-$450, $15,000-$50,000 |
Catalyst Real Estate | $50,000+ |
Moose Basements | $50,000+ |
Severn Woods | $40,000-$80,000 |
How to Reduce the Cost of Underpinning
Underpinning is necessary to stabilize your foundation, but it’s an investment. You can reduce the cost to underpin your basement if you plan ahead and make smart choices.
Here’s how:
- Routine Inspection and Maintenance: Preventative care is very important. Check the foundation often for signs of settling, cracks, or water damage. Addressing small problems as soon as they occur can prevent them from worsening and requiring expensive repairs later.
- Choose the Right Underpinning Method: There are several methods of underpinning, each with its own costs. Talk to a qualified contractor to determine the best and most cost-effective way to handle your situation.
- Working with Reliable and Reputable Underpinning Contractors: Get quotes from several qualified and experienced contractors. Don’t just look at the lowest price; give more consideration to professionals with a history of good work and honesty about their prices. Read reviews, get recommendations, and ensure they have the right insurance. A good contractor will give you a detailed estimate of the work needed and its cost.
- Explore Financing Options: Underpinning can cost more than you think. Look into different financing options, like home equity loans, lines of credit, or special financing plans through the contractor. Planning and securing funds ahead of time can speed up the process.
Cheaper Alternatives to Basement Underpinning
There are two alternatives to basement underpinning.
Bench Footing – a cheaper alternative to basement underpinning that does not require digging under the footing. Instead, the footing is built besides it. As a result, the footing is extended inside the basement. While this approach to basement floor lowering is cheaper and in some cases will be easier to gather approvals for, it also takes away some of the space inside the basement.
Crawlspace Transformations – a basement floor lowering technique that applies to crawlspaces. The so-called crawlspace conversions make it possible transforming crawlspaces into real basements with a proper ceiling height. This process requires extending the foundation deeper into the ground.
According to the basement underpinning guide by Aquamaster Waterproofing, basement floor lowering cost can be as follows.
Services Related to Underpinning | Cost |
Converting Crawlspace into Basement | $50,000-$150,000 |
Crawlspace Excavation | $20,000-$40,000 |
Plumbing & Weeping Tile Installation | $4,000-$10,000 |
Foundation Pouring | $20,000 to $40,000 |
Finishing | $15,000 to $40,000 |
As contractors remove the extra soil from the crawlspace, this will lower the floor. During the this process a new foundation will be planned & poured. Crawlspace conversion & other costs. Table source: Home Advisor
Check our complete guide to basement underpinning for more information on:
Permits
Documentation
Links for basement underpinning in various locations across GTA – Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, Oakville, Richmond Hill, Vaughan.
Is Basement Underpinning Worth It?
Absolutely, according to VBM Contracting, an average cost of home addition in 2023 can range anywhere from $400,000-$800,000. While an average basement underpinning project costs around $50,000.
In other words, underpinning allows you to achieve the same result for 8x-10x less compared to home additions. Plus, basement underpinning won’t change the footprint of your property and will be easier to obtain a permit for than home additions.
Why It’s Important to Hire Certified Professionals for Basement Underpinning
If you want to fix your foundation and do basement underpinning in Toronto, only hire licensed experts. Underpinning projects require structural engineering knowledge, local building codes, and specific techniques. Certified contractors know how to evaluate your home’s foundation, choose the best underpinning method, and carry out the work safely and effectively.
Certified professionals can also estimate basement underpinning costs in Toronto, which can help you plan your project’s budget. Hiring qualified professionals for basement underpinning projects is important for ensuring your home’s long-term stability and value, whether you want to add more living space or fix foundation problems.
About
Article written by Aquamaster Basement Waterproofing & Underpinning specialists working in the industry since 2009. We can help with top-quality basement underpinning Toronto, basement waterproofing, foundation repairs & more. Book a free estimate today!
