Almost every house in GTA has a basement. Common problems for older houses are leaking basements or a lower ceiling which makes it really hard to enjoy the basement space.

One of the most widely used methods to fix leaking basement problem is to perform waterproofing from the outside of the house. This procedure prevents storm water from the outside to get into your basement. Hydraulic cement is used to repair cracks in the foundation. Aqua block application is performed to rubberize the surface of the foundation wall. Dimpled membrane installation helps water to drain fast towards weeping tiles.

If the outside waterproofing is impossible to perform, the inside waterproofing has to be done as soon as possible to prevent leaking basement, moisture and mold. In addition to lowering the basement sump pump and back water valve could be installed which will drastically help to keep the basement area dry and clean.

Underpinning is a complex project which helps to convert storage under your house into a real living space with high ceilings, in-law suite or even legal basement apartment with separate entrance.

For those people who plan to increase the usable space of their home without massive cost of a new addition, underpinning is ideal option.

In Acon Reno we understand how important it is for homeowners to increase their living space, without constructing any additions, which are much more expensive then underpinning and remodelling of your basement. Acon Renovation LTD is considered to be one of the best Toronto basement underpinning company.

The main purposes of basement underpinning are:

Increased Ceiling Height: Typically old homes height in Toronto and GTA in general is around 6 feet. With the help of basement underpinning, which allows creating additional headroom, new standard basement ceiling height in Toronto would be 8 feet (it could be even higher depends on owners preferences). This can significantly increase the functionality and usability of the basement area.

Foundation Strengthening or Repair: Basement underpinning is often used to address different foundation issues such as cracking, settling or insufficient support. By making the foundation much solid and stronger underpinning can help to stabilize the structure I general and prevent further damage of the building.

Building Expansion: Basement underpinning can also enable building expansions by creating a deeper and stronger foundation. The main goal is to expend the basement area or to make support for additional floors or other structural changes. It is very commonly used in urban areas like Toronto where space is limited and vertical expansion is much cheaper and sometimes only one available option over horizontal expansion.

Basement underpinning is a complex and specialized construction process that requires planning, engineering, and execution. Typically it includes the following steps:

Site assessment: A proper assessment of the existing foundation and soil conditions is very important. It should identify any potential challenges or risks which could be faced while the underpinning process.

City permits and drawings: Getting engineering drawings and permits from local municipality is a must while basement lowering preparation. In addition, the local authorities are present and conduct inspections at every stage of the process.

Preparation and demolition of basement interior: Preparation could include disconnecting or relocation of water mains, plumbing pipes, city sewerage, electricity, furnace etc. After that comes demolition and disposal of basement interior and concrete slab in order to make a space to start the initial underpinning process.

Excavation: The underpinning of the entire perimeter and existing basement floor is carefully excavated in sections, typically one at a time, to create space for the new footings.

Replacing of drain system: While the basement lowering it necessitates the replacement and relocation of all drain pipes. Also new catch point need to be added.

Waterproofing: Interior waterproofing is coming as a package with the basement underpinning and is a very important part of keeping the basement area dry in the future.

Sump pump installation: With lowering of the basement floor and placement of the weeping tiles on the perimeter of the basement it’s always better and sometimes is the only one option to install sump pump. It will help to move the water to city sewerage system.

Installation of New Footings: New concrete footings or underpinning walls are poured beneath the existing foundation to provide additional support. They should be reinforced with steel bars and finished with non-shrinking concrete on the top to add more strength.

Shoring and Support: Permanent I-beams, temporary shoring and support systems should be installed if needed to stabilize the existing structure during the underpinning process and prevent of any movement or collapse.

Basement underpinning is a significant undertaking. It should only be carried out by experienced professionals with expertise in foundation engineering and construction. Acon Renovation LTD has a license from the city of Toronto to perform underpinning and is able to perform basement lowering process smooth on every stage from start to finish.