The Dos and Don'ts of Basement Lowering in Toronto

If you’re planning to lower your basement in Toronto, there are a few things you need to know. Here are the dos and don’ts of basement lowering to help you avoid any pitfalls.

Don't try to lower your basement without a professional.

Lowering a basement is dangerously risky and should not be attempted without professional underpinning contractors in the Toronto area. It requires experienced underpinning contractors to perform underpinning safely and avoid any damage or unnecessary difficulties. Gaining access to underpinned foundations can be complex, so it’s essential to hire highly competent underpinning contractors who have the required knowledge and skill set to correctly assess the underlying challenges before any work is done. Taking shortcuts can lead to costly mistakes, which is why enlisting the services of professional underpinning contractors is always recommended.

Do get multiple quotes from different contractors before deciding who to hire.

If you are getting underpinning work done in Toronto, it is important that you get multiple quotes from different contractors before deciding who to hire. This approach will allow you to compare the different prices being charged, as well as the quality of service offered by each contractor. Ultimately, this will help ensure that you receive a fair price for the underpinning job and get the best value for your money. Furthermore, comparing quotes from different contractors is also a good way to ensure that any underpinning work is conducted properly and meets industry standards.

Don't forget to factor in the cost of permits when budgeting for your project.

When undertaking a project, engineering plans can be the cornerstone of success when done right. When budgeting, it’s important to factor in any required building permits special to your area in order to get your engineering plan approved and signed off on by local government or planning boards – this is commonplace, especially for projects that are commercial and municipal works. Government fees or deposits can vary depending on the size and nature of the project, so it’s best to include an estimated total cost in the budget just in case unexpected costs may arise during the course of the engineering plan development. Don’t forget to factor in any permit-associated costs so you can be sure that your engineering plan can keep you on track!

Do be prepared for some noise and dust during the construction process.

During the construction process, it is important to remember that noise and dust are unavoidable parts. While it may not feel comfortable at first, it is common for any renovation or building project. We strongly recommend that you plan ahead and take appropriate safety precautions, especially if there will be young children or vulnerable people present in the area of the works. In addition to respecting your neighbours, try to make sure disruptions are kept to a minimum by informing anyone who could be affected in advance and mitigating noise with soundproofing materials when possible. By taking these steps, everyone can ensure that the construction process runs as smoothly as possible.

Don't be afraid to ask questions - your contractor should be able to answer all of them.

When considering basement lowering and underpinning, it’s important that you feel confident in the work of your contractor. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and express any concerns you may have – a reputable contractor should be experienced and knowledgeable enough to provide answers to all questions asked in relation to basement lowering and underpinning. A good contractor will work with you at every step of the process to ensure complete understanding and satisfaction with the job.

Do enjoy your new, lower basement!

Basement lowering is a great way to increase the square footage of your home, ultimately increasing its value, as well as providing additional living space. By underpinning and lowering your basement, you can potentially create a new basement suite or second unit, making it a great investment in the long run. Enjoying your basement now means you can take advantage of the increased property value later!

Conclusion

Basement lowering is a serious project that should only be undertaken by professional contractors. It’s important to get multiple quotes from different companies before making a decision and to factor in the cost of permits into your budget. There will be some noise and dust during construction, but if you have any questions, your contractor should be able to answer them. Enjoy your new lower basement! If you’re interested in pursuing this project, give Strong Basements Inc. a call for a free and detailed estimate.

Denis Smal

Ontario College of Trades Degree in Plumbing. Master Plumber & Building Renovator Toronto License. Educated in Building Foundations & Underground Water Behavior. 15+ Years of experience in Basement Underpinning, Waterproofing, Flood Prevention, Plumbing and Drain.