Rain or shine, we dig in and get it done!
Stop settling for a dark, cramped basement and unlock your Toronto home’s hidden square footage. Since 2009, IcyReno has specialized in reinforcing aging foundations and deepening basements to create safe and legal living spaces that withstand the GTA’s unique soil shifts.
Trusted Contractor Since Pricing | Benefits | Real Projects | Process | PermitsIgor is among the most experienced contractors in the city with unparalleled knowledge of every aspect of basement underpinning.
Basement underpinning is the process of strengthening and stabilizing an existing foundation. It’s often done to fix structural problems or to lower the basement floor and increase ceiling height – giving you more livable space. The process typically involves digging beneath the current foundation and adding new concrete footings or piers to boost its load-bearing capacity and long-term stability. Whether you’re looking to repair cracks, prevent future issues, or add functional square footage to your home, underpinning is a smart investment in your property’s safety and value.
Basement underpinning in Toronto is a highly technical job with little room for error. With homes built close together and aging foundations, one wrong move can affect your neighbouring home too. That’s why it takes real expertise, proper planning and a skilled crew to do it safely. At IcyReno, we’ve handled complex projects across the city with utmost precision and care.
At IcyReno, we serve areas like Toronto, Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough delivering high-quality underpinning and foundation stabilization services at competitive prices. Our pricing typically ranging from $70 to $150 per square foot. However, several factors can influence the final cost of your project.
That said, our rates are some of the most reasonable you’ll find in the city – especially when you weigh the quality of work against the price. It’s that sweet spot where cost meets real, long-term value. You’re not overpaying and you’re definitely not cutting corners either
The cost of underpinning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s what usually impacts pricing:
Before you meet with a contractor or start digging, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the important terms, permits and processes involved in basement underpinning. This will help you ask the right questions, spot red flags and make confident decisions about your home.
Here are some key concepts and terms every homeowner should know:
Toronto’s soil varies by neighborhood. Our underpinning contractor will assess your soil type (clay, sand, loam) to determine how deep the foundation can safely be extended.
Before starting, you’ll need structural drawings approved by a licensed engineer. These plans outline how the underpinning will be done safely based on your home’s structure. We work closely with trusted engineers to speed up the process. Your engineer must also sign the Commitment to General Reviews form, which you’ll need to submit with your permit application.
Lowering your basement increases the risk of water seepage. A quality contractor will include exterior or interior waterproofing as part of the project to keep your new space dry long-term.
The city will conduct inspections at different stages after excavation, before pouring concrete, and upon project completion to ensure everything meets code. Our crew coordinates inspections and ensures all code requirements are met without hassle.
Basement underpinning, also referred to as foundation stabilization, is a construction process used to strengthen and reinforce an existing foundation. It involves excavating soil beneath the structure and adding concrete or other materials to extend the depth and width of the foundation, ensuring additional support. This service is vital for Toronto homes facing foundation issues such as settling, cracking, or instability due to soil movement, or for homeowners planning to lower their basement floor to increase ceiling height and usable space. Homeowners
The benefits of reinforcing the basement includes:
The basement underpinning process involves several critical stages to ensure your foundation is properly reinforced and your basement remains structurally sound. Each step, from demolition and soil excavation to concrete pouring and waterproofing, is carefully executed in full compliance with Toronto’s building codes and regulations, ensuring your home’s foundation is stronger, more stable, and well-protected against future damage.
Your Trusted Basement UnderPinning CoMPANY in toronto
Wondering if your basement might need underpinning? Here are some red flags to watch out for:
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Our Underpinning experts can stop the damage and give your home a stable foundation to stand on for years to come. Also, if your basement ceiling feels too low and you’re thinking about adding more livable space, underpinning is the way to go!
frOM our customers in Toronto
The timeline for a basement underpinning project usually ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the size of your basement, the depth of lowering required, the complexity of the work, and any additional services like waterproofing or structural reinforcements. Smaller or more straightforward projects may take closer to 4 weeks, while larger, more complex projects can stretch to 8 weeks or more.
Keep in mind that permitting and inspection stages (required by Toronto bylaws) can add some time as well. At IcyReno, we always build a detailed schedule with our clients upfront so you know exactly what to expect and we keep you informed at every step to avoid surprises.
No, proper underpinning does not devalue your home. In fact, when it’s done by licensed, experienced contractors, it usually increases the value. Buyers see a reinforced foundation, improved structural safety, and the potential for a taller, usable basement space.
What can affect value is poor workmanship or unpermitted work, which is why choosing a professional, insured company matters. With the right team, underpinning becomes an investment that strengthens your home and boosts long-term resale appeal.
In many cases, yes, you can live in your home during basement underpinning but it depends on the scope of work and the layout of your house. If the project area is well contained and there’s a safe, separate living space, staying home is possible. However, underpinning is a major construction process that involves digging, concrete work, and structural adjustments, which means there will be noise, vibrations, dust, and limited access to parts of your home.
For larger projects or if safety could be compromised (especially if structural supports need temporary removal), we might recommend temporarily relocating for a portion of the work. We always prioritize your comfort and safety, and we’ll discuss all options with you before work begins so you can plan ahead with confidence.
Yes, there can be safety concerns related to underpinning such as the risk of collapse or structural damage due to poor workmanship. It is incredibly crucial to hire an experienced and reputable company who adheres to safety regulations in order to avoid any potential risks. As one of the largest basement underpinning companies in the GTA, we take safety incredibly seriously.
Yes, you can underpin a finished basement. The flooring, drywall, and finishes are removed only in the areas where work is needed. Underpinning focuses on the foundation walls and footing, not the cosmetic finishes, so it can be done even if your basement is fully completed.
Just keep in mind that some sections of the finished space will need to be opened up for access, and those areas can be restored after the underpinning is complete. With a skilled team, the process is controlled, safe, and designed to protect the rest of your finished basement.
Properly permitted and engineered underpinning can significantly boost resale value by creating 100% usable living space. In high-density areas like Leslieville or The Annex, turning a crawlspace into a legal secondary suite or rental unit often provides a return on investment (ROI) that exceeds the construction cost.
Only if waterproofing is neglected. At IcyReno, we integrate internal weeping tiles and moisture membranes as a standard part of the underpinning process. Lowering your basement is actually the best time to upgrade your drainage system to handle Toronto’s high water tables.
In semi-detached Toronto homes, your underpinning can affect a shared wall. We use staged excavation (working in small 3-foot sections) to ensure the structural integrity of both properties is never compromised. We also manage the “Neighbor Agreement” forms required for many local projects.
Pricing | Benefits | Real Projects | Process | Permit
