Professional Basement Lowering & Underpinning in Toronto

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Basement with Underpinning Increase headroom, maximize space, and enhance functionality for a more versatile living area!

Increase headroom, maximize space, and enhance functionality to create a more versatile living area!

With over 25 years of expertise in Toronto, my team and I specialize in basement lowering and substructure services, turning underutilized spaces into valuable living areas.

We focus on durability, ensuring your basement remains solid and dry for years to come. Our white-glove service means we handle every aspect of the project from start to finish, making the process seamless and stress-free. Above all, customer experience and service are our top priorities—we are committed to delivering quality work with clear communication and professionalism.

Whether you want to expand your home’s footprint, boost its market value, or create a more comfortable and functional space, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

Explore our step-by-step basement lowering process, along with the pros and cons, to make the best decision for your home.

Let us help you transform your basement into a functional and inviting area that adds value and enhances your lifestyle at the same time.

Our Benching Projects in Toronto

Benching or bench footing looks like

What you need to Know Before Underpinning Starts

Pros to lower your basement floor
1. Increased Living Space
2. Improved Headroom
3. Enhanced Property Value
4. Customization Opportunities
5. Potential for Income Generation

Cons to lower your basement floor
1. Costly and Disruptive
2. Structural Risks (when done wrong)
3. Permit requirements and engineering costs
4. Potential for Water Intrusion during process (water table)
5. Loss of Storage Space

G1000 Home Advantage & Benefits
1. Increased Ceiling Height
2. Enhanced Usable Space
3. Improved Natural Lighting
4. Customizable Design Options
5. Professional Underpinning and Benching Techniques & Experienced and Skilled Team

We understand the importance of maximizing the potential of your home’s substructure. With our expertise and dedication to quality craftsmanship, we strive to deliver exceptional results that exceed your expectations. Whether you’re embarking on a basement lowering project for the first time or seeking to enhance an existing space, trust G1000 Home Substructure to bring your vision to life with precision and professionalism. Contact us today to learn more about how we can transform your basement into a valuable asset for your home.

Why Choose G1000 Home for Underpinning in Toronto?

We ensure Quality

We are committed to using only the highest quality materials and the latest techniques in the industry, ensuring that our solutions stand the test of time

We are Dedicated

At G1000 Home, we prioritize your satisfaction. We offer solutions with education and support, empowering you to protect your property with confidence.

Our Expert Services Grounded in Quality and Durability

Our team combines expertise and experience to deliver high-quality waterproofing services that meet our strict standards for effectiveness and durability

Tailored Solutions to meet your unique needs.

Recognizing each property's uniqueness, we provide tailored solutions to meet your specific needs, ensuring complete protection that exceeds your expectations and ours.

How It Works?
How to Begin in Simple Steps

Contact Us

Reach out by phone, email, or our website contact form. Share your preferred date, time, and any details or questions.

Step 1

Free estimate

We'll confirm the appointment using your preferred communication method and provide any necessary information.

Step 2

Pricing & Approval

After the quote is sent and receive your approval,
we will schedule the work right away.

Step 3

Execution

Our team will arrive on time. Execute the work as planned, clean the site as if we were never there."

Step 4

Call us for a free consultation

We will make you underpinning project a success.

Benching vs. Underpinning

What is Bench footing or Benching?

Benching, or underpinning with a “bench,” involves adding concrete in front of the existing wall, essentially extending the perimeter of the basement horizontally. Although it doesn’t offer the same vertical expansion as underpinning, benching presents its own merits:

Ideal for Depth Restrictions: Benching is suitable when constraints on excavation depth exist, often due to soil conditions, utilities, or other factors.
Cost-Efficiency: Bench underpinning can be a more budget-friendly option compared to full-depth underpinning.
Enhanced Usability: The created bench can serve as functional space for storage or other purposes.

Note: You should be aware that the size of the benching will depend on the neighboring structures and the soil conditions. However, the building code typically requires a 7:10 ratio—7 inches down for every 10 inches out. In ideal conditions, a 1:1 ratio may be possible.

What is Underpinning?

Underpinning involves strengthening and extending the foundation of your existing basement by adding concrete beneath the walls, reinforcing and extending the foundation vertically. This comprehensive process yields significant benefits:

Significant Space Addition: Underpinning provides the opportunity to add significant vertical space to your basement, resulting in increased headroom and a more expansive living area below ground.
Structural Enhancement: By reinforcing the foundation, underpinning enhances the overall stability and structural integrity of your property.
Increased Property Value: A deeper basement created through underpinning can substantially enhance your home’s market value, offering a wise long-term investment.

Why should you Choose Underpinning?

Underpinning is the preferred choice when:

Maximum additional space and depth are desired for the basement.
Existing foundation require reinforcement due to age or structural issues.
Extensive renovations are planned or a spacious and versatile living area below ground is desired.
Budget permits the investment.

Why should you Choose Benching?

Benching is a practical choice when:

Shallow excavation, makes full-depth underpinning impractical. (below 2 feet)
Maximizing existing basement footprint without significant vertical expansion is desired.
Budget- or cost-effective means of increasing the basement’s usable space are sought.
Reinforce the footing only, or stop the water, bricks or stone foundations
short time line, benching is way stronger and faster process.

Benching vs. Underpinning: What Is the Difference?

The primary difference between benching and underpinning lies in their purpose and scope. Benching is typically a preventive or corrective measure to enhance stability, while underpinning is a comprehensive solution to address severe foundation issues. Underpinning can also be used to increase the depth of a foundation to support additional floors or heavier loads. Underpinning in Toronto is quite common due to how older homes were built.

How much does benching cost?

In terms of complexity and cost, benching is generally a less intricate and more cost-effective solution. It requires less equipment and labour compared to underpinning, making it a suitable choice for less severe foundation concerns. Usely start around $125 up $500 a foot.

How much does underpinning cost?

Being a more involved process, underpinning has higher costs due to the need for specialized equipment and skilled professionals. Starting at $400 a foot and can go up to $1200 if you dig a crawl space or major structural repair.

The Space-Maximizing Underpinning is the #1 choice

While a bench-all-around approach offers cost-effective and efficient use of existing space, underpinning stands out for providing significant vertical expansion. Underpinning creates ample headroom and additional square footage below ground, making it the preferred choice for homeowners looking to maximize their basement’s potential.

Benching, underpinning, or both?

When deciding between benching and underpinning for your foundation-related project, consider the severity of the foundation issues, the project budget, and the long-term goals. Benching is a practical option for minor stability improvements, while underpinning is the go-to choice for addressing significant foundation problems and supporting structural modifications. Both of these methods will increase living space, but underpinning will give you more usable floor space. Consulting with experienced professionals is crucial to determining the most suitable method based on your specific needs.

Why we can be the right fit?

With our expertise and over 20 years of experience, me and my team can help you save money and optimize your space using either a bench-all-around, or underpinning or a hybrid method, or a combination of both in the same project. We work for you and your satisfaction is our ultimate goal.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Lower My Basement?

Evaluate the feasibility of the project, sign the agreement, and obtain the necessary permits.

Clear out the basement and install temporary support structures.

Remove the existing floor and soil from underneath the existing basement floor slab. (expose the footings.)

Choose between benching or underpinning methods for structural modifications.

Install drains and French drain systems, install the waterproofing membrane, finish the basement floor, and add desired utilities and features. (we have a unique way to deal with those.)

Schedule inspections and obtain necessary approvals from local authorities. (all inspections are coordinate by us )

Replace furniture, belongings, and utilities to restore the basement to its intended use. Enjoy your new extra living space.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Customer Reviews on Underpinning Services in Toronto

I hired G1000 Home to install a concrete pad in the backyard for our 8x10 shed. Gemil provided a fair quote, and supervised the job from start to finish, ensuring time lines were met, the site was kept clean... read more

Rhoda Villanueva
October 2, 2023
Gemil called back right away, was friendly and was very helpful in diagnosing the problem right over the phone and providing cost-effective solutions.

Rahul Arora
February 2, 2024
I had a great experience working with G1000 Home Substructure, and Gemil, the owner, exceeded our expectations. He seamlessly took over a challenging basement walkout project, providing thoughtful recommendations while prioritizing quality, design, and budget. Gemil maintained regular communication, explaining... read more

Lavesh Chattlani
December 2, 2023
I highly recommend Gemil and his team. I was in the middle of listing my home for sale and I had a big emergency.... water was coming up through the cement of my basement floor. I was devastated.... read more

Tina Lacivita
October 2, 2023
We would definitely recommend Gemil. He is an honest contractor whose expertise was invaluable to us. We would definitely recommend him..

lena priore
February 2, 2024
We have recently had moisture control services provided by Gemil Lacroix and G1000 Home Substructure Contractor. Based on our direct experience with Gemil and his crew, we can unreservedly recommend them for any substructure repairs required. Gemil... read more

Joel Shafer
October 2, 2023
we had very good service. Professional service and very qualified staff.

kavyn laflamme
July 2, 2024
Good communications with Gemil. He listens to the customer, provides honest advice (I learned that he was formerly a home inspector, and it shows), a fair price and he follows through on timelines. He also remained involved from start... read more

Luc Bjork
June 2, 2024
Exceptional service. I’m thankful that Gimel is also dog friendly

Reshaud Khan
December 2, 2023

Our Trusted Partners

Trusted Partners

Three Ways to Get A Quote

1. Drawing Based: Got drawings or blueprints? Perfect! It’s a great start for us to provide you with an accurate quote. Just a Bit of Prep: Have those drawings or blueprints ready. The clearer, the better.

2. Photos & Measurements : Snap some photos, take some measurements, and we’re on our way. A Little Prep Goes a Long Way: Take clear photos and measure up the area you’re focusing on.

3. Site Visit Quote: Prefer face-to-face? We love meeting our clients in person! A site visit allows us to get every detail just right. Setting Up: Ensure we can access the site, and think about any questions or specifics you’d like to discuss.

Get a custom quote

Contact us today with no obligation to discuss your concrete, foundation, or waterproofing needs and let’s bring your vision to life!

FAQs About Underpinning Services

What is basement lowering, and why would I consider it for my property?

Basement lowering is the process of excavating and lowering the floor level of an existing basement to increase the ceiling height and create additional usable space. You may consider basement lowering to maximize the potential of your basement, create a legal apartment, add value to your property, and create more functional living areas such as bedrooms, entertainment spaces, or home offices.

How do I know if my basement is suitable for lowering?

Determining the suitability of your basement for lowering requires a professional assessment. Factors such as the structural integrity of the foundation, soil conditions, and the presence of utilities need to be evaluated. Consulting with experienced contractors and structural engineers will help determine the feasibility and potential challenges of basement lowering for your specific property.

Are there any specific building code, permit or regulations that need to be followed for basement lowering?

Yes, basement lowering projects are subject to local building codes and regulations. These codes dictate aspects such as ceiling height requirements, structural modifications, permits, and safety measures. It is crucial to consult with professionals familiar with the local codes to ensure compliance and obtain the necessary city permits.

How long does the basement lowering process typically take?

The duration of the basement lowering process depends on various factors, including the size of the basement, complexity of the project, access, and any unforeseen issues encountered during construction. Generally, basement lowering projects can take several weeks to a few months to complete. A detailed timeline can be provided by the contractors after assessing your specific project.

Will basement lowering affect the structural integrity of my property?

Basement lowering, when done by professionals using appropriate techniques, should not compromise the structural integrity of your property. The process involves reinforcing the foundation to maintain stability and support the lowered floor. Structural engineers and experienced contractors ensure that the necessary precautions are taken to maintain the overall structural integrity of your property.

What are the potential benefits of lowering my basement?

Lowering your basement can offer several benefits, including increased ceiling height, additional living space, improved functionality, enhanced natural lighting, and increased property value. It allows you to create a more comfortable and versatile living environment that suits your needs and preferences.

Can I still use my basement during the basement lowering process?

Depending on the scope of the project, it may be necessary to temporarily restrict access to the basement during certain stages of the process. However, contractors aim to minimize disruption and provide alternative access or temporary living arrangements if required. Clear communication with the contractors will help ensure minimal inconvenience during the basement lowering process.

How much does basement lowering cost, and what factors can affect the overall cost?

The cost of basement lowering can vary depending on factors such as the size of the basement, complexity of the project, existing conditions, required structural modifications, and your location. It is recommended to obtain quotes from reputable contractors who can assess your specific project requirements and provide a detailed cost estimate based on your needs.

Can we stay in our home during the underpinning process?

Yes, the way we underpin or bench your foundation is the safest way possible, and it does not require you to leave your home.

Professional Basement Lowering & Underpinning in Toronto

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Basement with Underpinning Increase headroom, maximize space, and enhance functionality for a more versatile living area!