YTZ Basement Waterproofing Toronto
Basement Underpinning & Lowering Toronto
Underpinning lowers a basement floor to add ceiling height, paired with waterproofing so the deeper floor stays dry.
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What is basement underpinning & lowering?
Basement underpinning (also called basement lowering) deepens your basement floor to add ceiling height — usually to turn a low, unusable cellar into a full-height living space. There are two common methods. Full underpinning excavates under the existing footing in sections and pours new, deeper concrete below it. Bench footing leaves the existing footing in place and pours a new, lower floor with a concrete bench around the perimeter.
Because lowering the floor changes how water drains to the footing, underpinning is almost always paired with a new interior drainage system and a sump pump. In Toronto, underpinning requires a building permit and stamped engineering drawings. We handle the waterproofing and drainage side of the work and coordinate with the engineering and permit process.
Signs you need underpinning
Ceiling too low to finish
If your basement ceiling is under about 6'8", lowering the floor can give you a usable living space.
You want a full basement, not a cellar
Many older Toronto homes have partial-depth cellars that only underpinning can turn into a full basement.
Existing water problems
If you are lowering the floor anyway, it is the right time to install a proper drainage system.
Adding value with more usable space
A legal-height finished basement adds usable square footage without changing the footprint of the house.
Our process
- Step 1
Inspection & engineering
We inspect the basement and arrange stamped engineering drawings and a building permit.
- Step 2
Excavate in sections
We dig under the footing in small sections and pour new deeper footings, one section at a time.
- Step 3
Lower floor & drainage
We bring the floor to the new depth and install an interior drainage system and sump pump.
- Step 4
Pour slab & clean up
We pour the new concrete floor over the drainage system and leave the space ready for finishing.
What does it cost?
Underpinning and basement lowering vary widely with soil, depth, and engineering requirements. We give you the exact price after a free inspection and review of the property.
Get my free quoteUnderpinning FAQ
Underpinning vs bench footing — what is the difference?
Underpinning excavates under the existing footing in sections and pours new concrete below it. Bench footing leaves the footing in place and pours a new lower floor with a concrete bench around the perimeter. Bench is usually less expensive but loses some floor area.
Does underpinning require a permit and engineering?
Yes. Underpinning requires a building permit and stamped engineering drawings in Toronto. We walk through what is needed during the inspection.
Do you waterproof at the same time?
Yes. Lowering a basement changes the drainage, so an interior drainage system and sump pump are usually installed as part of the work.
Related services
Interior Waterproofing
An interior perimeter drainage system collects water that seeps through foundation walls and routes it to a sump pump.
Sump Pump Installation
A sump pump collects water from interior drainage and lifts it outside, away from your foundation.
Toronto Flooding Rebate →
See if your work is eligible for up to 80% back from the City of Toronto.
Wet basement? Book a free inspection
Open 24/7 · Open 24 hours, 7 days a week