Basement Lowering Toronto
What is basement lowering?
Basement lowering is a process of excavating the soil underneath an existing foundation and lowering the floor to create additional liveable space. Basement lowering requires skillful excavation and support structures since it is necessary to shore up any surrounding underground walls and pillars during the process. It also requires close attention to drainage details and waterproofing measures, in order to ensure the completed area remains water-free.
It can be a good choice for those who need extra room, but don’t want the hassle of moving or adding an additional story to their house. It also works well in areas where there is limited land area and limited options for expanding a home. If you’re looking for extra space to add an additional bedroom, home office, game room, or any other type of space that would benefit from having more headroom, all without taking up additional ground area, basement lowering could be the answer!
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The Benefits of Basement Lowering
As a homeowner, why should I consider lowering my basement?
Homeowners should consider basement lowering if they want to create more living space in their home. It is a great way to add value and usability to your home, as well as creating additional storage space for items that typically take up space in the main living areas. Basement lowering projects are also relatively inexpensive compared to other remodelling projects.
Additionally, if you have problems with water drainage or flooding in your basement, lowering it can help address these issues by providing better protection for the foundation and walls. It can also reduce mold and mildew buildup since the new lower level will provide easier access for cleaning.
Benefits of Basement Waterproofing:
- Increased Square Footage – Basement lowering allows homeowners to increase their usable space without needing to go through the costly process of building an extension. This addition can add a great deal of value to a home by providing more living space where space may have been previously limited.
- Improved Visual Appeal – Basement lowering can result in a more aesthetically pleasing basement area with increased natural lighting. Not only does this create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the basement, but it also improves the overall curb appeal of the home if visible from outside.
- Better Accessibility- Often times, basements can be difficult to access if they are on an incline or have several steps leading up to them. By lowering the basement floor, homeowners can gain much easier access and increased safety when entering and exiting their basement area.
- Added Value – A reinforced or renovated lower-level floor increases the value of your home. With more living space available, when you’re looking to sell, potential buyers will be more likely to invest in it.
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Warranty Up to 25 Years
Bench Footing
By adding bench footings to your foundation, you can lower your basement and provide additional structural support. There is no need to dig under the foundation in order to provide extra height to the basement. As an alternative, bench footings allow you to lower the basement floor level and widen the foundation structure.
How Is Bench Footing Done?
- Our basement contractor will design and create a perimeter around the inside of the basement walls.
- Next, the foundation will be dug up to the desired depth. When the digging process is complete, we will construct new footings that extend deeper than the new floor.
- As soon as the newly constructed walls reach the original basement depth, we will cover them with concrete. This will resemble the effect of a concrete bench extending along the foundation wall of the house.
This ‘benching effect’ strengthens the foundation and provides it with additional support.
What are the Advantages of using the Bench Footing Technique?
Bench footing is a great option for homeowners who want to save time and money. It doesn’t require any changes to the existing foundation walls and involves minimal excavation work. Plus, if you have a shared wall with your neighbour and they don’t consent to digging under their foundation, bench footing is a feasible solution. On top of that, it creates an attractive display area with a luxurious appeal – making your basement space inviting for guests or potential tenants.
Things To Consider When Thinking About Bench Footing
Before starting a bench footing project, it is important to take certain precautions.
- First, examine the soil on which the house is built. This will affect the foundation of the house and whether a bench footing is suitable.
- Second, determine the required depth of the area in question. If a deeper foundation is required, alternative methods may be more suitable than a bench footing.
- Thirdly, consider the intended use of the basement or other structure that you are building on top of this footing. Different uses require different strengths in foundations.
Finally, consider maintenance cost in the long run. A more expensive investment up front may lead to lower costs down the road. Not all homes can support bench footing, so it is important to understand the structure of your house before you begin any work in the basement. Bench footing is an effortless way to lower the basement floor, but if it is done incorrectly, it can cause significant damage to your space in the future.
Crawl Space Conversion
Crawl space conversions, or “dig outs,” are a great way to turn your old and cramped crawl space into a much more useful basement space.
Crawl spaces are simply not an ideal option for storage, and they can introduce issues like mold, mildew, moisture issues, and even wildlife or rodents into your home. Plus, homes with crawl spaces tend to sell for significantly less than those with basements.
A crawl space conversion, or “dig out,” is a process by which the area beneath your home where the crawl space is located is dug out. Our team excavates this area to create a full-sized basement, and also adds a concrete or cement floor and walls for a secure base and a dry basement.
Key Benefits Of A Crawl Space Conversion Project
- Improved Temperature Control: Converting the crawl space into a room adds stability and insulation which can help maintain a more consistent temperature throughout your home.
- Increased Value: Home buyers often look for houses with more living space which makes crawl space conversion projects an attractive investment.
- Safer Storage: Converting crawl spaces into rooms that can actually be used increases the amount of available storage, keeping potentially hazardous items off the floor and away from children and pets.
- Reduced Drafts and Allergens: Sealing up your crawl space helps reduce drafts and allergens, keeping your home cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable overall.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, basement lowering requires permits in Toronto. You must submit an application to the local municipality and receive their approval before any work can begin on your project. This includes providing the necessary documentation such as drawings, photographs, and other details about the planned work. Once approved, you will be issued a permit that is required when performing demolition or construction activities. We can guide you through the permit process!
Before deciding whether basement lowering is right for you, it’s important to understand all the advantages and disadvantages associated with this project. It’s also important to get professional advice before making any major decisions regarding your home. We offer free consultations for all clients so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re feeling unsure whether it is the right step for you!
The primary benefit of basement lowering is to create more living space in an existing building. Lowering a basement also allows for larger windows and increased natural light, as well as improving ventilation, providing additional storage space, and boosting energy efficiency.
Some things to consider when planning a basement lowering project include the budget, safety protocols during construction, permits or zoning requirements, any potential obstructions or limitations posed by your building’s foundation, drainage considerations, and other local regulations that may apply to your project. Our team will ensure your project is taken care of every step of the way. We like to make the basement lowering process as hassle free as possible. Don’t worry you’re in good hands!