Are you thinking about lowering the basement in your Toronto area home? Basement underpinning Toronto is a bit more involved than other home renovations. However, it is an ideal way to add more square footage to your home without detracting from your yard space.
What exactly does this process involve? Will you have to then pay for basement waterproofing Toronto? Read on to find out more about the costs and other details involved in lowering, or underpinning, your basement.
Facts about Basement Underpinning Toronto
One of the best things about basement lowering is that it can add to the market value of your home. Not only does it provide added space, but it also reinforces the structural integrity of your Toronto area home.
Getting Started
Before you hire a company for basement underpinning Toronto, it is best to have a set plan in mind. Many companies will not make a bid unless they know exactly what the basement lowering job entails. There could be a great deal of work involved including demolition and test drilling. For this reason, we recommend having the company come out to your property to assess the amount of work that needs to be done. This can prevent any issues down the line.
Hire a Qualified Engineer/Architect
Most basement underpinning Toronto contractors will not work with an architect or engineer that does not have a solid reputation. For this reason, it is best to have a quote and blueprint from at least two professionals before you meet with your contractor. This way, they will be able to give you an accurate estimate for the cost of the basement underpinning.
Acquire the Necessary Approval for the Basement Underpinning Toronto Blueprint
In Toronto, it is required that any plans, drawings, or blueprints you receive from your engineer or architect must be properly certified. Next, they must be approved for a building permit. The building inspector will then make any recommendations for changes that are needed before you can begin the construction.
Basement Underpinning Toronto Work Process
Once your plans are approved, the contractor will start the process by measuring and marking the work that needs to be done. First, they will dig out the slab and lower the basement by an average of three feet. They will then ensure that the sidewall is structurally sound. Next, they will underpin the basement by either removing the soil and replacing it with concrete or creating a bench to support the foundation, which is called bench footing.
The final step is to waterproof the basement and install the new flooring over gravel, which they will also install.
The cost of basement underpinning Toronto will vary by the size of your basement and the amount of time that is needed for the job. It can take up to six weeks to complete this process, with an estimated cost of around $40,000.
Contact DrainCom if you have any further questions about basement underpinning Toronto as well as basement waterproofing. We can give you a free estimate for any of your plumbing needs.
