Underpinning
Strengthen your foundation and gain a full-height, finished basement.
What Is Basement Underpinning?
More Space and a Stronger Foundation
Basement underpinning is not just for added space – it also strengthens your home’s existing foundation.
Waterproof Masters & Associates Inc. uses a combination of concrete and piers, with the concrete adding to the overall durability of the foundation. Even if you have no desire to add extra space, it may be required to preserve the structural integrity of your home.
Underpinning your home and finishing that unused space will add a huge amount of value to the property. Waterproof Masters & Associates Inc. can underpin your home at an affordable price and do it safely, as we have all the skills and training needed.
Considering Underpinning Your Home?
If you are considering having your basement underpinned, it is very important to ask all the right questions, as underpinning can be dangerous if it is performed incorrectly. Ask your contractor these questions:
- Are you licensed?
- Do you have all the correct insurances?
- Do you need drawings and permits?
- Do you need the city to inspect your work?
If your contractor answers YES to all of these questions then you are probably safe, but be sure to check all their credentials before any work is started.
Drawings & Permits
- Waterproof Masters & Associates Inc. can provide you with contact information for a few engineers if you wish to get your own drawings and permits.
- If you don’t wish to deal with the city yourself, Waterproof Masters & Associates Inc. can provide all of the needed drawings and permits.
- Typical cost of drawings and permits ranges between $2,500 and $3,500 depending on the size of the project.
Underpinning your home is a big expense and can be disruptive, but the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. That unusable space becomes a welcoming, finished basement with 8-foot ceiling height, which adds square footage and value.
What to Expect Once Underpinning Starts
- Basement cleared
- Basement demolished
- Transporter installed into window
- Bin arrives for soils
- Concrete floor removed
- Walls are underpinned by sections
- Inspections of all individual sections
- Soil is removed and disposed
- Interior drains are replaced
- Interior waterproofing installed
- Sump pump installed
- Sewage ejector installed if needed
- Gravel installed
- Vapour barrier installed
- Concrete is poured with trowel finish
- Work areas cleaned
Final Inspection
Lastly, the final inspection MUST be completed by the City Engineer as well as the engineer on site, so that all documents are signed off for approval and the project is finalized. These are the basic steps you can expect as the process of underpinning your home is undertaken. Waterproof Masters & Associates Inc. serves the GTA and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need drawings and permits for underpinning?
Drawings, permits and city inspections are part of a properly performed underpinning project. We can refer you to engineers or provide all of the needed drawings and permits for you.
What does underpinning add to my home?
The unusable space becomes a finished basement with 8-foot ceiling height, adding square footage and value, while strengthening the existing foundation.
Related Services
Interior Waterproofing
Inside drains, weeping pipe, weep-holes and dimple board installed from inside the basement.
Sump Pumps
Sump pit and pump installation to relieve hydrostatic pressure beneath your basement floor.
Exterior Foundation Repair
Our patented seven layer exterior waterproofing system with a lifetime, transferable warranty.