Trusted Contractor Since 
The Problem
The homeowners of this North York property wanted to convert their basement into a legal rental suite. However, they faced a common obstacle in this neighborhood: the original basement ceiling height was barely 6 feet. This “crawlspace” feel made the area dark, cramped, and legally non-compliant for a separate dwelling unit. To maximize the property’s value and rental potential, they needed significant vertical expansion without altering the home’s exterior.
Our Professional Assessment
Our structural inspection revealed that the existing footings were shallow, which is typical for homes of this era in North York. Simply digging out the floor wasn’t an option, as it would undermine the foundation’s stability. We determined that the only safe way to achieve the desired 8-foot ceiling height was through a sequential dig-down process, extending the foundation walls downward to a new, stable depth.
The Solution We Recommended
We proposed a comprehensive structural plan to lower the basement floor. By systematically excavating beneath the existing footing and pouring new reinforced concrete sections, we could safely gain over 2 feet of headroom. This approach would not only provide the necessary height for a legal suite but also stabilize the aging foundation and allow for the installation of a modern interior waterproofing system.
The Work Performed
- Structural Shoring: Installed temporary supports to hold the house load safely during excavation.
- Sequential Excavation: dug out the soil beneath the existing walls in numbered sections (pins) to ensure stability.
- Foundation Extension: Poured new high-strength concrete footings to extend the foundation depth.
- Water Management: Installed a new internal waterproofing system with weeping tile and a sump pump to handle the new depth.
- New Slab: Poured a fresh, level concrete floor with rough-ins for the future suite’s plumbing.
The project was executed with strict adherence to engineering drawings and completed on schedule.
The Results
- Height Achieved: Transformed a 6-foot cellar into a spacious area with 8-foot ceilings.
- Legal Compliance: The basement now meets the height requirements for a legal secondary suite.
- Dry & Stable: The home sits on a reinforced foundation with a brand-new waterproofing envelope.
- Value Added: Created entirely new livable square footage within the existing footprint.
Need more headroom in your North York home? Contact us today to discuss lowering your basement floor.
