Basement Underpinning in Toronto
quality craftsmanship & 100% customer satisfaction
Square Footage | Cost Range |
400-500 sq. ft. | $19,900 - $25,400 |
500-600 sq. ft. | $25,400 - $29,900 |
600-700 sq. ft. | $29,900 - $34,900 |
700-800 sq. ft. | $34,900 - $39,900 |
800-900 sq. ft. | $39,900 - $44,900 |
1000-1400 sq. ft. | $49,500 - $89,900 |
Our Advantages
- Detailed and accurate estimate
- 5 Million liability insurance
- Guaranteed time frame
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Post-renovation support
- Licensed & insured
- Top quality materials
- Affordable Prices
What Our Clients Say
Latest Reviews:
- All
- Homestars
- Video
CSG did an amazing job on renovating my basement. Work was fast, efficient and they helped point out some space saving changes that really helped maximize the space. The basement addition involved adding a bathroom, doing a complete reno of the space including living room, office, storage rooms, electrical room and Exercise room. The work was finished professionally and very fast. I’ve dealt with a number of workers in the past and these have been the best I’ve worked with. Highly recommended.
Their work exceeded my expectations. I finally found a professional renovation company I can confidently rely on. They did a complete floor replacement in all rooms and paint throughout. Communication was always clear and prompt. Owner, Zeev and his team worked with my special requests and the results were outstanding. Not a single detail was overlooked and I could not find a single flaw in the workmanship. They left everything spotless. It all looks amazing. Bonus; all the work was completed under the estimated time frame and I was very pleased with the reasonable cost of the entire job. CSG Renovation ticks all the boxes. Thank you Zeev!
We had a great experience working with Zeev! His team actually finished our condo renovations ahead of schedule and the quality of their work was excellent. I would recommend CSG and work with them again. Reasonably priced and a job done right. Thanks Zeev!
Recent Projects
- Basement
- Commercial
- Condo
- Home
Basement Underpinning Process
Why Choose CSG Renovation?
- Management problems
- Unclear price changes
- All materials hassle on you
- Minimal or no design
- Unprofessional labour
- Start-to-finish customer support
- Upfront transparent proposal
- Materials ordered & delivered
- Experienced design help
- Professional, certified contractors
Basement Underpinning Services in Toronto
CSG Renovation carries out your basement underpinning & foundation strengthening project in-house: our team includes engineers, excavators, and masons, and we have the necessary equipment to lower a basement.
Whether you want to raise the crawl space ceiling of your 8-foot basement to a 9-foot basement, we boast a knowledgeable team that has one of the best experiences in basement foundations precisely because we approach the project holistically.
What is Basement Underpinning and Basement Lowering
Underpinning basement is also known as basement lowering. The main purpose is to increase the height of your basement by lowering the floor level all around the interior perimeter without losing any space, unlike benching.
Underpinning involves excavating the soil beneath an existing basement floor and adding structural elements of varying strength using a team of workers and specialised machinery.
As a result, not only does it raise the height of the basement, but it also increases its strength and stability and strengthens the basement walls.
Reasons for Basement Underpinning in Toronto
Structural Reasons
- Increase the stability of the house and the structural integrity of the foundation in case of damage or for the possibility of additions.
- Prevent building sagging, wall cracks, flooding and dampness problems.
- Increase the living space of your home without the need for additional structures.
Value Reasons
- Increasing the quality and value of your home, without compromising its exterior.
- Easier to obtain a building permit compared to exterior construction.
- Significant increase in livable space to your home at an affordable price.
- Potential profit from renting out or selling your home at a higher price.
Signs That Your Basement Needs Underpinning
| Sign/Defect | Description | Possible Causes | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cracks in Foundation Walls or Floor | – Hairline, vertical, horizontal, or stair-step cracks – Widening or shifting cracks |
– Settling or shifting soil – Hydrostatic pressure – Poor concrete curing or shrinkage |
– Structural weakening – Water intrusion leading to mold and flooding – Bowing walls and collapse (if horizontal) |
| Bowing or Bulging Walls | – Walls curve inward or bulge – Horizontal cracks near bulge |
– Hydrostatic pressure – Expansive soil – Poor construction materials |
– Wall collapse – Loss of structural support for the house |
| Water Seepage or Moisture Build-Up | – Damp walls or floors – Efflorescence (white residue) – Moldy smell or pooled water |
– Poor drainage – High water table – Cracks in foundation |
– Mold growth and health risks – Concrete and steel deterioration – Pressure damage to walls |
| Uneven or Sagging Floors | – Sloping floors – Cracks or separation in slabs – Sticking windows or doors |
– Foundation settlement – Soil erosion – Failure of floor joists or beams |
– Structural instability – Floor collapse – Misalignment of walls and roof |
| Rust or Corrosion on Steel Beams or Columns | – Visible rust or flaking – Discoloration around supports |
– High humidity levels – Water leaks – Poor ventilation |
– Weakening of load-bearing supports – Structural collapse |
| Rotting or Deteriorating Wood Beams or Joists | – Soft or discolored wood – Musty odor – Visible mold or fungus growth |
– High moisture levels – Poor ventilation – Termite or pest damage |
– Weakening of load-bearing components – Increased risk of collapse |
| Foundation Settling or Sinking | – Gaps around windows and doors – Sinking or cracking floor – Diagonal cracks extending from corners |
– Poor soil compaction – Erosion or soil washout – Expansive clay soil |
– Severe structural instability – Uneven load distribution – Damage to upper floors |
| Popping or Crumbling Concrete | – Chunks of concrete breaking off – Powdery residue – Spalling or flaking surface |
– Freeze-thaw cycles – Poor-quality concrete mix – Water penetration |
– Loss of strength in walls and floors – Increased vulnerability to water intrusion – Risk of collapse |
Note: Basement underpinning prevents current problems from worsening, but does not eliminate them. Additional specific works will be needed for this.
Our Basement Underpinning Process
- Our engineer visits the site, assesses the condition of your basement and on the basis of this draws up a project plan, which includes all structural changes, places for laying utilities, insulation, fire windows and basement exit.
- Based on the finished plan, you need to obtain a permit from the local municipality and prepare for intermediate inspections (include them in the work schedule).
- The team of renovation specialists arrives on the spot with the necessary equipment and machinery.
- Our team clears the space for work, including the outside, for easy equipment access.
- We dismantle the old floor and, if there are any walls, remove the debris.
- Step by step, we remove the soil under the foundation in small sections so as not to disturb the stability of the building.
- Then, we pour a new foundation made of concrete, reinforcement, piles, and base plates into sections.
- We carry out intermediate inspections step by step to confirm that the new footings work has been carried out correctly.
- Waterproofing, drainage system, plumbing, ventilation, and heating are installed.
- Finally, we pour a new concrete floor.
- Next we move on to installing daylight windows or a dedicated entrance if you plan to make a walkout basement.
- We insulate the walls, build frames/partitions, and install plasterboard.
- After all, our team carries out finishing works to make the finished basement and the room habitable.
Basement Underpinning Cost in Toronto
On average, the cost per square foot for basement foundation underpinning in Toronto will be $85 to $450.
For a 600 to 700-square-foot basement, you can expect to pay an average of $29,900 to $34,900. This amount includes an engineering plan and all the necessary work. However, there are still permit fees and in some cases fees for intermediate inspections for the municipality.
Many factors affect the cost and even to give you an approximate cost, you need to calculate a preliminary estimate. So contact our managers at (647) 428-0007 to discuss your low ceiling basement renovation project specifically.
To better understand the issue now, read our detailed article How Much Does It Cost to Underpin Your Basement in Toronto.
Underpin Your Basement with CSG Renovation
- Qualifications. We are a licensed Toronto and GTA construction company, performing basement renovations for over 10 years with building code requirements. We are basement underpinning specialists and a full-service renovation company with experienced craftsmen.
- Special offer. For every basement underpinning Toronto project, we offer a complimentary underfloor heating rough-in! This is a rare and incredible bonus that can save you a significant amount.
- Funding. Our Toronto renovation financing options are simple and easy to use, depending on what suits your needs the most. For example, we offer bi-weekly plan: you can transform your basement starting at just $352 bi-weekly with no down payment. We start work, and you pay gradually.
- Consultation services. We offer free consultation services for our clients, regarding every critical element involved. We help our clients calculate what is viable for their renovation budgets depending on the average basement renovation cost.
- 3D Designs. We will let you get an idea of how your new space will look by using first-class software for professional renovation.
- Warranty. Apart from the manufacturer warranty that comes with our specially chosen materials, we also offer a 5-year warranty for the services that we provide. You can read more about this information on the warranty page.
For a free consultation on your reinforcing the basement or any kind of home renovation project, call our managers daily at (647) 428-0007.
We Make All Types of Renovation Simple
We are qualified to do work in all renovation services in Toronto and GTA.
CSG Renovation is a company that offers quality service and 100% customer satisfaction. We make legal basement renovation, office and commercial renovation, townhouse and condo renovation, residential home renovation simple, with our qualified team we take pride in taking care of all your renovation needs under one roof.
We’re looking forward helping you
FAQ
Signs include cracks in walls or floors, uneven or sloping floors, water leaks, sticking doors or windows, and low ceiling heights in the basement.
When you contact us, our structural engineer will come to you for an inspection and help you determine if a foundation needs to be laid or if other work would be better suited to your goals.
Call us at (647) 428-0007 to make an appointment for a consultation.
Yes, however, a permit is required and must comply with the Ontario Building Code and local bylaws.
We help you get the necessary permits and work in accordance with the regulations.
Foundation reinforcement typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the size of the basement, soil conditions, and the complexity of the project.
When we design the project, we will give you an indication of the timeframe before we start work.
In most cases, you can remain in your home during underpinning.
However, if extensive excavation or structural work is involved, temporary relocation may be necessary.
Foundation strengthening in Toronto costs between $70 and $200 per square foot, in the most complex projects the cost can go up to $300 per square foot.
The cost is affected by square footage, the amount you need to go deeper, the soil, the complexity of the structure, additional services such as drainage, waterproofing and more.
To calculate the cost of your project, contact us at (647) 428-0007.
Yes, a building permit from the City of Toronto is required for lowering the basement by underpinning. Structural drawings and engineering reports must be submitted for approval.
The right type of basement lowering Toronto helps prevent flooding and water damage:
- A properly installed and sealed concrete slab creates a barrier that prevents groundwater from seeping into the basement.
- And slabs can also be sloped towards a floor drain or sump pump, directing water away from the foundation.
- Reinforced slabs reduce the risk of cracks through which water can penetrate.
- Waterproofing layer – Adding a waterproof membrane under the slab prevents moisture from rising through the concrete.
Risks include structural movement, foundation cracks and water intrusion.
This is why it is important to use experienced contractors and conduct a thorough soil and structural assessment at a preliminary stage.
Unexpected issues like poor soil conditions or hidden structural problems are addressed by adjusting the engineering plan and obtaining necessary permits for changes.
Most home insurance policies do not cover underpinning. Contact your insurance manager for details.
Our Service Areas
Related Articles
In older residences that weren’t necessarily constructed with the goal of eventually getting the basement completed, very low ceiling basement height is a prevalent problem. More often than not, individuals choose to raise their ceiling heights for the purpose of abiding by the legalities.
An unfinished basement is prone to water damage and can quickly turn ugly and smell funky due to the presence of molds. Also, the unused space can quickly become a harboring ground for pests and rodents.
Finishing the basement is a foolproof strategy that maintains your home in excellent condition. It also provides extra space and helps homeowners monetize.
And the best of all, real estate experts have proved time and again that basements increase your home’s value! No wonder an increasing number of home buyers take a keen interest in houses that boast functional basements.
So, how much value does a finished basement add?
In Toronto, pricing for the basement is calculated based on the square feet. Professionals charge between $5 and $30 for each square foot. The average square feet for a basement should be 1000 sq ft. This means that the cost of a basement in Toronto is pegged between $5,000 and $30,000.
Gone are the days when basements were typically used as utility spaces, housing items like a water heaters, furnaces, or air conditioning systems. Some may view the basement as mere additional storage space for the home, but nowadays, it’s become more common to have a fitted-out basement designed for living space.