For many homeowners in Toronto, basement lowering is becoming a more common choice when deciding on renovations for their home in order to maximize the usable living area, without having to extend the allowable footprint of the home. Whether you’re interested in developing a large rec room, adding one extra bedroom, or even developing a rental suite, basement lowering can facilitate some significant lifestyle changes. However, in addition to planning and executing the project with competent professionals, you need to make sure that you are following all local safety laws and regulations.
In this guide, we want to take you through the information you need regarding basement lowering in Toronto, including the process, benefits, safety, and renovation tips to help ensure successful renovations.
What is Basement Lowering?
Basement lowering, or underpinning, is the process of excavating and expanding the basement floor space through the excavation and deepening of an existing basement floor to increase the ceiling height and usable space. Due to low ceilings, many of the older homes in Toronto were built and designed with basements that do not meet the minimum ceiling heights within building codes. As such, basement lowering can be an attractive option for homeowners to begin to unlock the potential of their basements.
Basement lowering is very different from the standard basement finishing process as lowering a basement is a structural process, and should not be done solo or without expertise. It’s important to note that basement lowering is not simply a process of blasting away the dirt and clearing space. Underpinning involves a structural component where the professional needs to underpin the foundation walls in order to maintain the structural stability of the home, while gaining additional headroom height.
Why Consider Basement Lowering in Toronto?
Make the Most of Your Living Space
Adding additional livable square footage is one of the main reasons Toronto homeowners choose basement lowering; you would be getting livable space without increasing the footprint of the house’s foundation. By getting a higher basement ceiling height, you would then be able to add fully functional rooms that meet building occupancy standards, like bedrooms, bathrooms, or recreational uses, to the basement.
Increase Property Value
One of the advantages of having a spacious basement that also meets code requirements is that it artificially increases the value of the property in Toronto’s competitive real estate market. Finished basements that meet the minimum ceiling height requirements attract buyers while also allowing homeowners to create legal rental suites in the basement for additional income potential.
Comply With Modern Building Codes
A number of existing homes in Toronto have basements that have ceiling heights below the current building codes. Basement lowering will also ensure that renovations comply with local building codes and regulations. This will ensure that renovations are productive and, if sold later, will not delay your sale due to zoning issues or non-compliance.
The Basement Lowering Process Explained
Initial Evaluation and Engineering
Before proceeding with lowering your basement, an evaluation of your foundation and soil is critical. Structural engineers (who are licensed professionals) will evaluate whether a basement lowering is feasible, and they will develop an underpinning plan to ensure your home is safe while under driving during excavation.
Obtaining Permits
Due to the structural components of lowering a basement in Toronto, building permits are required. It is crucial to select contractors who are experienced in obtaining permits in your municipality, ensuring that all required craftsman approvals are obtained before construction commences.
Excavation and Underpinning
Lowering the basement is the stage where excavating the soil from below the foundation walls occurs, and this process is typically completed in sections. The underpinning occurs in a sequence, and most of the time in small sections to ensure no destabilization of the structure. It is also common when the underpinning is done that new concrete footings or piers are installed to support the wall in its new depth.
Waterproofing and Drainage
Finally, it is important to understand that following the framing and lowering of the basement, the aspect of waterproofing should be addressed. With the harsh nature of Toronto’s reflectivity, basements are prone to passive moisture as their owners do not believe it is a water-locked environment. Drainage membranes and one or more sump pumps, along with the plumbing work to improve the exterior drainage to protect the basement from future water damage, are best outlined during the excavation stage..
Final touches
After structural work and waterproofing are done, you are ready to do the interior finishing, such as insulation, drywall, flooring, and lighting. At this stage, you’re transforming your basement into a livable, comfortable area that is intended for your intended use.
Safety Benefits of Lowering a Basement
- Partner With Professionals: A lowering basement is a unique type of project that requires skilled structural engineers and contractors. Attempting to do it yourself or hiring inexperienced workers could result in either compromising structural integrity, creating an unsafe living environment, or costing you thousands on unsound repairs.
- Preserve Structural Integrity: A house needs a foundation to be structurally sound. Underpinning methods should be used to ensure your foundation is reinforced and that it isn’t settling incorrectly as you excavate.
- Address Soil Issues: Soil conditions differ in every neighbourhood in Toronto and can cause issues with safely trenching the basement lower if they are affecting it too much. When your hired professionals take soil samples to test the soil, they will be prepared to follow the procedures to ensure it doesn’t shift or collapse when the basement is lowered.
- Adhere to Building Codes: Adhering to Toronto’s building codes will not only provide you with safety, but will also protect your investment by ensuring your renovation is legal and insurable.
Advantages of Basement Lowering
- More Options with Space: Having a ceiling height of at least 8 feet improves both safety and aesthetics; a lowered basement can be utilized in many different ways, whether it is as a cinema, a gym, more bedrooms or even as a separate unit for rental income.
- More Energy Efficiency: Lowered basements typically allow for more insulation and energy savings; this will save money on heating during Toronto’s sub-zero winter months.
- More Natural Light Options: Natural light is limited in basements; however, by lowering the floor, you may be able to put more or larger egress windows, which provide you with a way to increase daylight in your space as well as provide safety.
Things to Keep in Mind for a Successful Basement Lowering Project
- Plan Ahead: Discuss any feasibility and budgeting constraints with your engineers or contractors, or decorative and high-quality basement lowering options with builders as soon as possible.
- Go with the Licensed Professionals: Plumbers, engineers, architects, and builders have different licensing requirements; hire someone who specializes in basement lowering and underpinning.
- Know the Costs: Basement lowering may look as if it is expensive, however, it increases the value of your property; it is worth it to have a quote with details
- Take waterproofing seriously: Don’t mess around here; ensure that you have the best systems to collect drainage and waterproofing.
- Prepare for disruption: Excavation can take days, as well as can also be loud; know you can turn off your water if you need to.
- Foster an open line of communication: Continue to tacitly or clearly involve contractors and inspectors through the downsizing process.
Conclusion
Raising the ceiling height of the basement is the ultimate way for city homeowners. It allows homeowners in Toronto to maximize their space, value and create comfortable living areas. Though complex, hiring skilled professionals and following safety standards ensures success. If your basement feels cramped, basement lowering is a smart investment to create a bright, code-compliant space. Ready to unlock your basement’s potential? Contact trusted Toronto contractors and start planning today!