basement underpinning & waterproofing contractors Toronto
MAIN SERVICES
Basement Underpinning Toronto
Looking to lower your basement and create more living space? Our Basement Underpinning Toronto services cover everything from engineering drawings, building permits, and excavation to structural underpinning, steel installation, waterproofing, drain rough-ins, sewage ejector, sump pump, and concrete floors. With expert contractors and certified engineering oversight, we ensure every project is safe, code-compliant, and built to last.
The cost of basement lowering in Toronto averages $90–$100 per sq. ft. of basement area, or $380 per linear foot of underpinning, depending on project scope and site conditions. Whether you’re planning a rental suite, home office, or family room, underpinning is the proven way to expand your home’s value and functionality.
Concrete Floor Toronto – Repair, Replacement & Installation
Strong Basements provides expert Concrete Floor services in Toronto, including old slab demolition, excavations, waterproofing, drain replacement and new rough-ins, gravel bedding, insulation, in-floor heating, moisture barriers, steel wire mesh, concrete pouring with pump, and professional concrete polishing.
Whether you need to repair or replace an existing concrete floor or install a brand-new slab, our team ensures durable results that meet modern building standards and design trends. From industrial-strength finishes for commercial spaces to sleek, minimalist interiors for homes, we deliver concrete floor solutions built to last.
Trust our certified contractors to handle every step of the process with precision, safety, and quality craftsmanship.
Basement Waterproofing Toronto – Certified Wet Basement Solutions
Strong Basements specializes in Basement Waterproofing in Toronto, protecting homes from leaks, flooding, and costly water damage. Our complete service includes demolition, excavation, foundation coating, waterproof membrane installation, weeping tile systems, sump pump installation, and full water damage restoration.
We hold an IICRC Certificate in Water Damage Restoration and can work directly with insurance companies to simplify claims and reduce stress for homeowners. By choosing our certified contractors, you safeguard your basement’s structural integrity and gain long-term protection against moisture issues.
Investing in professional basement waterproofing not only prevents future repairs but also ensures peace of mind for years to come.
Basement Walkout Construction Toronto & GTA
A basement walkout is an essential way to expand the living space of a home by providing direct access to the outdoors. Our basement walkout construction services in Toronto will ensure maximum home value and enjoyment by including an engineering plan, survey and building permit. Quality basement entrance installation not only adds value to your home but also provides a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors! Our basement walkout construction services in Toronto allow homeowners to experience the best of both worlds – with increased safety, light and livable outdoor space – including decks, patios and stairs.
Backwater Valve & Sump Pump Installation
When it comes to flood protection for your basement in Toronto, it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure you’re protected. That’s where a reliable provider of flood protection services can be extremely beneficial. Working with an experienced contractor, certified and insured, can guarantee that they assist in the installation of sump pumps and backwater valves, help apply for the necessary building permits and even provide assistance applying for city rebates. Investing in flood protection is not only a good idea but could ultimately save you money in the long run. Don’t get caught off guard by flooding – make sure you have flood protection services in place!
Basement Bench Footing
Bench footing services in Toronto are convenient and cost-effective underpinning alternative to basement lowering. By benching the soil beneath your structure instead of digging from above, bench footing is highly efficient, faster, and safer than its traditional counterparts. It also requires much less labour and significantly reduces potential property damage thanks to its minimal need for ground disturbance. When looking for trusty bench footing services in the Greater Toronto Area, it pays to get advice from experienced industry pros who understand the nuances of success behind bench footing projects.
25 YEAR WARRANTY!
FOR ALL BASEMENT WATERPROOFING, DRAIN & FOUNDATION WORKS
TRANSFERABLE!
SERVICE COSTS
TORONTO LICENSED & IICRC CERTIFIED
STRONG BASEMENTS ON YOUTUBE
UNDERPINNING | BASEMENT LOWERING
WALKOUT BASEMENT CONSTRUCTION
WINDOW WELL DRAINAGE REPAIR
FLOODING PROTECTION & PREVENTION
5,000,000 LIABILITY!
ALL CONSTRUCTION & WATERPROOFING WORKS ARE COVERED BY OUR LIABILITY INSURANCE
CERTIFIED
THE CORE OF OUR TEAM
Denis Smal
CEO / PROJECT MANAGEMENT / ESTIMATES
Ontario College of Trades Degree in Plumbing. Master Plumber & Building Renovator Toronto License. Educated in Building Foundations & Underground Water Behavior. 12+ Years of experience in Basement Underpinning, Waterproofing, Flood Prevention, Plumbing and Drain.
Alexander
Foreman / project management & supervision / HR
7+ Years of experience in: Excavations, Shorings, Waterproofing, Foundation Construction and Repair, Underpinning, All Types of Concrete Work, Masonry, Structural Works, Interlocking.
Andrii Golovnia
DESIGN / ENGINEERING & BUILDING PERMITTING
Professional Engineer of Ontario certificate. Provides professional architectural and structural services. Architectural Design, Structural Design, Land Development, Storm Water Management. Building Inspections. Committee of Adjustments.
Anastasia Mazanova
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT \ CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Humber College degree in International Business Management.
Why Choose Strong Basements in Toronto?
As a trusted basement contractor in the Greater Toronto Area, our mission is to deliver expert basement waterproofing, underpinning, and construction services tailored to every homeowner's needs.
Years of experience in Toronto & GTA
Engineering expertise and high-quality workmanship
Budget-friendly transparent solutions
Full Toronto building code compliance
Hassle-free permit management
Our Rescent Projects
BASEMENT UNDERPINNING IN TORONTO
Basement Underpinning & Addition Project – Blackthorn Ave, Toronto
Strong Basements Inc. recently completed a comprehensive basement underpinning and addition project at Blackthorn Ave, Toronto (M6N 3H5). The existing basement had deteriorated foundation walls that required immediate structural reinforcement.
Structural Reinforcement
- The structure was stabilized with jack shores while all old wooden beams were removed and replaced with a poured concrete strip on top of the block foundation walls. To restore strength, we applied parging across the foundation walls and embedded four steel posts into the existing structure.
Basement Underpinning & Expansion
- We executed L-Shape underpinning sections flush with the foundation walls, minimizing the bench and maximizing usable basement space. The project included extending the basement 8 feet to the front and 15 feet to the rear. Using a combined method of cinder block walls and underpinning allowed us to avoid costly excavation shoring, saving the homeowner approximately $50,000.
Waterproofing & Drainage
- A full interior waterproofing system was installed, including wall membranes, perimeter weeping tile, and a sump pump. On the exterior, we added a backwater valve and a new drainage system to protect against flooding.
Concrete Floor Installation
- We insulated the subfloor, laid radiant heating pipes, and applied a vapour barrier with steel mesh reinforcement. Finally, a 4-inch, 32 MPa reinforced concrete slab was poured, delivering a durable and long-lasting basement floor.
Basement Underpinning in Newmarket
Basement Underpinning & Foundation Stabilization – King St, Mount Albert, ON
Strong Basements Inc. recently completed a structural underpinning project at King St, Mount Albert (L0G 1M0). The home stood on soft ground with a high underground water table, causing the southern foundation wall to crack and sink. While one engineering company proposed a solution as costly as building a new house, we delivered a proven foundation underpinning system that was 15 times more affordable.
Innovative Structural Underpinning
- We began by underpinning the section of wall designated for the conveyor belt opening. After installing steel braces, we cut through the foundation wall, set up the conveyor, and started excavation. The damaged floor and soil around the weakened foundation were removed.
- To reinforce the footing, we embedded epoxy-coated steel rebars into the existing concrete and built a 15mm steel rebar mesh tied to dowels. Then we poured a 4-foot-wide, 2-foot-deep, 35 MPa reinforced concrete footing along the original base, interlocked with rebar dowels. This expanded the structural footprint four times, preventing future settlement.
Waterproofing & Crawl Space Insulation
- After strengthening the foundation, we fully waterproofed and insulated the crawl space, ensuring the home remains safe, dry, and energy-efficient.
Cost-Effective Foundation Underpinning in Ontario
- This project shows how Strong Basements specializes in basement underpinning, structural underpinning, and foundation underpinning solutions that restore safety and stability without unnecessary costs.
- If you are dealing with foundation settlement or cracked basement walls, our team provides engineered, cost-efficient solutions across Toronto and the GTA.
Underpinning and Concrete in Keswik
Basement Underpinning & Structural Upgrades at Georgina Ice Palace, Keswick ON
Project Overview
The Georgina Ice Palace in Keswick, Ontario – a popular municipal ice arena – recently underwent a basement underpinning and structural upgrade project to support major facility improvements. Strong Basements, a specialist in foundation reinforcement and arena construction, was subcontracted through CIMCO Refrigeration to execute this complex project under the oversight of the City of Georgina. The upgrade was driven by the need to install new indoor ice melt systems and modernize the ice rink’s infrastructure. Working within a public-sector environment meant strict compliance with municipal building codes, careful coordination with city officials, and a tight summer off-season schedule to minimize disruption to arena operations.
Scope of Work
The project’s scope was comprehensive, addressing both structural integrity and water management for the ice rink foundation. Key components of the work included:
Construction of new ice melt wells – Two large indoor snowmelt pits were built to collect and melt ice resurfacer shavings, forming a core part of the upgraded ice melt systems.
Underpinning – The existing foundation was underpinned to increase its depth and strength, ensuring the arena’s structure could safely accommodate the new pits and equipment.
Excavation and rebar reinforcement – Significant excavation was required to create space for the pits and deeper footings. Steel rebar cages were installed in all new concrete works to provide robust structural reinforcement.
Installation of steel posts and I-beams – New steel load-bearing posts and I-beams were added to support the building during wall modifications and to carry additional structural loads.
New drainage system – A modern drainage network (including weeping tiles and sumps) was integrated to handle meltwater and prevent water accumulation.
Concrete waterproofing – All new and existing foundation walls were coated with waterproof membranes and cementitious sealants to waterproof the basement concrete against moisture intrusion.
Wall cut-out – An opening was cut through a foundation wall to integrate the new snowmelt pits with the arena floor. This was done only after the wall section was securely underpinned and braced, maintaining structural stability during the cut.
Project Outcome and Benefits
This structural reinforcement and upgrade project was completed on schedule and met all the City of Georgina’s requirements for safety and quality. By the end of the summer construction window, the Georgina Ice Palace’s infrastructure was significantly improved and ready for the fall reopening. The newly underpinned foundation and steel reinforcements have enhanced the building’s structural integrity, extending the lifespan of this important community facility. The addition of modern indoor ice melt pits has streamlined arena maintenance by efficiently handling ice waste, a feature that improves operational efficiency for arena staff. Furthermore, the comprehensive basement underpinning and concrete waterproofing measures have fortified the arena against groundwater intrusion and seasonal freeze-thaw effects, which is crucial for a public ice rink facility.
Strong Basements’ professional execution of this project highlights their capability in delivering complex arena construction upgrades in collaboration with public-sector partners. The close coordination with CIMCO and city inspectors throughout the process ensured that each phase—from excavation and underpinning to waterproofing and final concrete pours—was done in compliance with strict standards. The Town of Georgina now benefits from a safer, more resilient ice rink foundation and improved ice maintenance systems, all achieved with minimal disruption to the community. This case study stands as an example of how specialized basement underpinning, structural reinforcement, and waterproofing solutions can be successfully applied to upgrade and preserve essential recreational infrastructure
TESTIMONIALS
Frequently Asked Questions about Basement Underpinning
How long will my underpinning project take?
While every home is different, you can generally expect the main construction phase of an underpinning project—the excavation and structural work—to last between four to seven weeks.
It’s important to remember that this timeline is for the physical work in your home. It doesn’t include the preliminary steps, such as creating the detailed engineering designs and securing the necessary permits from the city, which have to be completed before any digging can begin. The total duration can also be influenced by the size of your basement, the specific conditions of your property, and the particular underpinning method being used for your foundation.
Will I have to move out of my house during the project?
No, you can continue living in your home. We take great care to isolate the work area and manage dust and noise to minimize disruption to your daily life. We will seal off the basement from the rest of the house and create an independent entrance for our crew whenever possible.
How much does basement underpinning cost?
The cost of underpinning in Toronto can range from $80 to over $150 per square foot. The final price depends on the scope of work, foundation type, soil conditions, and any additional services like waterproofing or plumbing. We provide a detailed, transparent quote with no hidden fees after our initial consultation.
Do I need a permit for basement underpinning in Toronto?
Yes, a building permit from the City of Toronto is absolutely mandatory for any underpinning project. This is a crucial step that ensures the work on your home’s foundation is safe, structurally sound, and compliant with the Ontario Building Code. Our team handles the entire permit process for you, from submitting the required structural engineering drawings to scheduling all necessary city inspections.
Important Note for Semi-Detached Homes: If you live in a semi-detached or attached house and the work involves the shared foundation wall (the “party wall”), you will also need the formal, written consent of your neighbour. This is a legal requirement to protect both parties and is typically documented in a Party Wall Agreement. We can guide you through this process to ensure a smooth and cooperative experience with your neighbour before any work begins.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, we are fully licensed to perform structural work in the City of Toronto. We carry $5 million in commercial general liability insurance, and all our workers are covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Your home and our team are completely protected.