What is Basement Underpinning?
Underpinning is a widely and commonly-used term if needed to describe a process of strengthening the original foundation of a building or any other structure. It might be necessary in case the existing foundation is unstable or not strong enough or has to withstand additional weight, the structure usage or the soil properties supporting the foundation have changed, the structure destabilized because of natural causes like flood or earthquake and the list can go on.
However, today we would like to talk about basement underpinning also known as basement lowering which is essentially a method of lowering the basement floor to increase the ceiling height while reinforcing the existing foundation of the home. It’s a perfect way to expand living space in the basement area, effectively obtain more storage or to transform a crawl space or unfinished basement which is unsuitable for living into a usable space with acceptable and comfortable ceiling height.
Benefits of Lowering Your Basement
In many houses, especially older ones, basements were not intended to serve as a living space but to be used as utility space for the furnace, water heater and where laundry room and electrical panel were located. With the low ceilings which make it uncomfortable to walk, this cold room with no enough headroom definitely wasn’t the most favourite one in the house to spend time there. However, the time passes, and with it, the basement becomes a unique selling point of the house that’s why more and more people decide to perform a basement underpinning in Toronto and turn this impractical space into a functional and comfortable one which could be used as you see fit: entertainment area with a pool table, private gym, basement apartment for rent, man cave, a playroom for children, home theatre and many more. Check out our blog post about the best ideas for basement renovation in 2020 to get inspired.
Here is a list of reasons why basement lowering in Toronto is beneficial:
- Add value to your property by improving your home’s functionality
- Increase living space and add the headroom without building additional structures to your house. You can also make space brighter warmer and more comfortable by adding large windows, heated floors and walk out entrance, for example.
- Enhance the integrity of the structure and stabilize your home by eliminating any structural damage in the foundation
- Underpinning will make your home easily accessible for further modernization or repairs like changing old plumbing, electrical connections or insulation, upgrade the waterproofing system.
- Improve air quality and get rid of the damp smell in your basement
- One of the most cost-effective and least disruptive projects as all the work is done in the basement only.
How to Lower a Basement?
There are two common methods that are used to lower a basement floor in Toronto and the GTA and create a full-height basement:
- Foundation underpinning
- Foundation bench footing
Both of them include structural changes to foundation walls and footings. Hire professional basement underpinning contractors to do the job according to engineer drawings.
Underpinning
This method encompasses removing the existing concrete floor slab and excavating the soil to achieve proper elevation. Then, the process of installing underpins to support the overall structure begins. It includes digging a series of holes below the original footing of the house. Then we are filling those in sequence with concrete to create a footing extension (new concrete underpinning). This process reinforces the structural integrity of the house foundation walls. It is important before we are digging out the soil from the inside of the basement and carry on with the rest of the innovations. It also gives an opportunity to repair any damages in the existing foundation and provides additional height without compromising floor space.
Usually, the process is slow and has to be undertaken by experienced engineers allowing sufficient time for its completion. In addition, it is labour-intensive. Foundation wall underpinning costs around $400 per linear foot. You would have to take into account your budget requirements to make correct decisions.
Bench Footing
Another way to lower your basement in Toronto is benching or bench footing. This method involves lowering a basement floor without the need to create a footing extension below the existing one. Instead, we will create a new concrete “bench-like” structure over the top of the stable excavation slope, essentially between the wall and the new floor. This method, in most cases, costs less than underpinning and it is twice faster. Unfortunately, it also decreases the living space as it creates a bench around the perimeter of the basement. However, this new structure can become a part of the design and easily transform into bookshelves or cupboards.
Contact Us for Basement Underpinning in Toronto
We encourage you to consult with our professional underpinning contractors in Toronto. Our basement underpinning company can provide you with all the necessary information. Our experts will answer all the questions you might have regarding the basement lowering and help you make the best decision. Kozak renovation basement underpinning contractors are ready to provide in-house free consultation and estimate for your Toronto basement underpinning.
Call us at +1 (647) 871-2239 to discuss your project today!