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Structural Proposal: Basement Lowering Guide

underpinning

Your Foundation Supports More Than Walls

It Supports Everything Built Above It

Before moving forward with foundation or basement structural work, it is important to understand the process, potential risks, and long-term commitment involved.

  • Understand the process
  • Understand the potential risks
  • Understand the long-term commitment

Structural work directly affects the integrity, safety, and long-term performance of your home.

Build smarter. Build stronger. Build on trust.

Foundation Modifications

If you are planning to:

  • Increase basement ceiling height
  • Expand usable living space
  • Convert a crawlspace
  • Perform underpinning or benching
  • Modify foundation walls
  • Install a new structural slab
  • Create a specialty space such as a home golf simulator

 

It outlines what should be included in a professional structural proposal.

Structural work requires engineering, permits, proper sequencing, and moisture planning to ensure long-term stability.

Structural Process & Compliance

Engineering & Permits

Structural modifications require:

  • Licensed structural engineering drawings
  • Load calculations
  • Approved underpinning sequence
  • City building permits
  • Mandatory inspections at key stages

The engineer designs the sequence.
The city verifies compliance.
Execution must follow the approved plan.

Golf simulator project
Water Table

Staged Underpinning & Structural Sequencing

Foundation walls are never removed all at once.

Underpinning is completed in controlled sections to prevent settlement and structural movement.

A professional proposal should clearly define:

  • Structural method (underpinning or benching)
  • Engineering coordination
  • Inspection scheduling
  • Reinforced slab specifications
Water Table

Water Table & Waterproofing Planning

Lowering or modifying a basement changes how the home interacts with groundwater.

Planning should evaluate:

  • Drainage performance
  • Hydrostatic pressure exposure
  • Sump system capacity
  • Vapour barrier installation
  • Long-term moisture control strategy

Waterproofing is part of structural planning — not an afterthought.

Typical Project Timeline Overview

  • Week 1–2

    Engineering coordination and permit submission & approval

  • Week 3–6

    Staged underpinning completed with inspections

  • Week 6–7

    Excavation, granular base preparation, weeping tile installation and waterproofing

  • Week 7–8

    Vapour barrier installation and reinforced slab placement

  • Important Notice

    This timeline is provided as a general reference only. Actual project duration may vary depending on scope, structural complexity, soil conditions, engineering requirements, inspection scheduling, weather conditions, and coordination with other trades. Each project is unique and may require a different sequencing schedule.

G1000 Home Substructure

Before Comparing Other Structural Proposals

When reviewing quotes, compare scope — not just price.

Not all proposals include:

  • Engineering coordination
  • Permit handling
  • Inspection management
  • Waterproofing evaluation
  • Compacted granular base preparation
  • Reinforced slab and waterproofing design
  • Proper staged underpinning

 

Clear scope reduces risk.

Specialty Space Creation

Structural expansion can support:

  • Legal basement apartments
  • High-ceiling recreational areas
  • Entertainment spaces
  • Home golf simulator installations

Golf simulator projects require:

  • Increased ceiling height
  • Structural stability
  • Precise slab flatness
  • Moisture-controlled environment

 

G1000 Home has experience preparing basements specifically for high-performance recreational and specialty spaces.

We always build with the final use in mind.

 
Why Clients Choose G1000 Home Substructure
  • 25+ years of structural construction experience
  • Specialization in underpinning and foundation systems
  • Engineering-first approach
  • Permit and inspection coordination
  • Moisture-conscious structural planning
  • Structured execution methodology
  • Transparent communication
  • Fully insured and compliant with Ontario building regulations

 

We are substructural specialists.

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Horia Popovici profile picture
Horia Popovici
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I live in East York and hired G1000 (Gemil and his crew) to dig down (approx 1-ft), add benching, install sump pump, interior waterproof, and pour new flooring for the basement in my 100+ year old home. As part of the project we were also able to remove a post to create additional space, as well as replace an old rotten support post (that Gemil and his crew noticed had major issues). I don’t know much about basement work and waterproofing, and from the very start Gemil was great at explaining every step that needs to happen and why it’s important. He was also key in helping me apply for permits with the city, finding an architect and engineer to work with, helping me get multiple quotes from plumbers to do the required piping work, and managing inspections with the city. Gemil’s original quote for the work was accurate throughout the whole project. It was great working with Gemil. He was in daily communication with me via text+calls to keep me up to date on progress, his team and crew were very experienced, professional, and polite. They somehow left the job site cleaner than it was when they first started, and perfectly repaired the entry-point for removing dirt from the basement digging. I was surprised that all this work only took ~3-4 weeks. I’m fortunate I got to know Gemil and his crew as part of this project, and will be contacting him for help again on future major house work!
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J J profile picture
J J
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Gemil knows his stuff!! He wasn't the least bit pushy and took the time to explain everything thoroughly. Highly recommend.
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G profile picture
G
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Gemil is a pleasure to deal with whether it's for home inspectors or flooring. He has a wealth of information and is a really kind person 5/5
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shirley cho profile picture
shirley cho
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I was looking into a french drain solution as the water from my neighbour's downspouts flowed directly toward my house, causing my window wells to overflow at times. After assessing a few proposals, I picked G1000 Home Substructure. What convinced me to go with Gemel Lacroix is that he took his time to answer ALL my questions. He even drew a diagram to show me exactly what he was proposing ! Not every company that I contacted was willing or able to do that !!! His quote for a french drain, 4x4 well and downspout extensions was also very competitive. Gemel and his crew did a great job. They arrived on time, took care to keep my lawn intact as possible, and left the place very tidy ! While he was here, he noticed my front steps had sunk and he suggested that I get them raised. Something I did not think but so glad I got this safety hazard fixed too ! My thanks to Gemel and his team for a great experience !
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Kim Kane profile picture
Kim Kane
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I hired G1000 Home to waterproof my basement and I have to say that I was 100 percent satisfied with Gemil and his crew. The job went smoothly from start to finish. Gemil was onsite and always available to answer any questions at any time. The job site was kept very clean and the quality of work and professionalism was very impressive and completed in a timely manner. I could not have asked for a better experience. Thank you for making a difference and caring about your customers!! Kim Kane May 2025
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L Kelly profile picture
L Kelly
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Had some water proofing that needed to be done. Gemil was easy to work with. They were not the cheapest price but I went with my gut feeling. They did a great job. 5 stars 🌟 all day long
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Yalini Ravi profile picture
Yalini Ravi
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I had the pleasure of speaking with Gemil, and I was genuinely impressed by his professionalism, honesty, and integrity. It’s rare to come across someone in business who is truly more focused on helping others than simply making a profit. Gemil took the time to understand our situation thoroughly, provided thoughtful advice, and even helped troubleshoot the issue by taking photos to assess everything properly. What stood out most was that, despite not earning anything from our interaction, he referred us to a trusted plumber and made it clear we were welcome to reach out again with any questions or if we needed further assistance. It’s clear that this company operates with genuine care for its customers. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for trustworthy, knowledgeable, and service-oriented professionals.
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KevCarly CGS profile picture
KevCarly CGS
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Like many, the July 2024 flooding that hit Toronto impacted our home, and we had to make the difficult choice to either just repair the damage and waterproof the basement, or go with a much more involved underpinning (and waterproofing) job, that would leave us with a more open, usable basement area. After talking with multiple companies, G1000 came highly recommended and we couldn't be happier with their work. The owner (Gemil) remained conscious/understanding of our budget, timelines, and need for consistent, open and honest, two-way communication. As newbies to the world of underpinning and all the nuance associated with the plans, plumbing, and permits, it was great to have a (very) patient and understanding expert to support us through the process (and even recommend his trusted basement renovation contractor for phase two - basement finishing). We HIGHLY recommend Gemil and his G1000 team for their great work, customer focus, and professionalism.
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Wendy Grisbrook profile picture
Wendy Grisbrook
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Gemil was incredibly helpful and informative. He saved us a lot of money and grief with respect to a home purchase. I highly recommend G1000 Home Substructure for any concrete needs. You will not be disappointed. A highly reputable company.
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Navpreet Kaur profile picture
Navpreet Kaur
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I recently hired G1000 for underpinning and waterproofing, and I couldn't be happier. The team was professional and efficient, completing the job with minimal disruption. My basement stays dry even during heavy rain. Excellent customer support throughout the process. Highly recommend their services for anyone needing solid foundation work!

Gemil Lacroix Director and Founder

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Your Home Is a Long-Term Asset

Structural work increases usable living space and long-term property value.

Structural work is not something homeowners want to complete twice.

If you have questions before reviewing your proposal, we are happy to walk you through the process.

get a consultation with G1000 Home

Need Help With Concrete or Structural Work?

If you are planning structural modifications, basement lowering, or foundation improvements, our team can help guide you through the process from engineering coordination to final structural completion.

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