Underpinning & Basement Lowering in Toronto
More headroom, a stronger foundation and a basement you can actually use. Built for the older homes of Leslieville, Riverdale and East York.
Get the Ceiling Height Your Basement Needs
Most East End homes have basements around six feet tall, which is too low for a legal apartment or a comfortable rec room. Underpinning fixes that. We dig below the original footings one section at a time, pour new, deeper concrete footings, then lower and re-pour the floor.
The house stays supported the whole way through. When we're done, you've got a full-height basement on a stronger foundation, ready to finish.
- Underpinning under brick, block and poured foundations
- Basement lowering with a new slab, drains and rough-in
- Waterproofing membrane and weeping tile done in the same job
- Ready for a basement apartment, in-law suite or reno
Our Work
Photos from real jobs our crew has done.
Questions
Is underpinning safe for an old brick house?
Yes, when it's done in sections. We only dig under one short stretch of wall at a time and pour new footing before moving to the next, so the house is always supported.
Underpinning vs. bench footing: what's the difference?
Underpinning extends the footings down so you keep the full floor area. A bench footing leaves a ledge around the walls. It costs less but takes up floor space. We'll walk you through both.
Do I need a permit?
Underpinning normally needs a building permit and engineered drawings in Toronto. We'll go over what your project needs during the inspection.
Can you waterproof at the same time?
Yes, and you should. With the floor already open it's the best time to add a membrane, new weeping tile and a sump.
Find Us
Based at Gerrard & Broadview, minutes from Leslieville, Riverdale and East York.
YTO Underpinning & Basement Waterproofing Toronto
618 Gerrard St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1Y3
Got water in the basement? Planning a basement apartment?
Call or text us photos and we'll book a free on-site inspection anywhere in the East End. We'll give you a straight answer and a written quote.