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Basement Underpinning in North York
Underpinning extends the foundation deeper so the basement floor can be lowered. It is structural work that turns a low, unusable basement into a full-height floor. In North York, post-war bungalows and side-splits on wide lots sit beside large new custom homes.

Scope
What is included.
- Structural engineer's design and drawings
- Building permit and inspections
- Staged excavation and concrete in sections
- New floor slab and drainage
- Waterproofing and sump systems
- Bench footing as an alternative where suitable
Cost
What it costs.
From $320per linear ft
What moves the price
- Length of foundation wall to be underpinned
- How far the floor is lowered
- Shared walls, access and soil conditions
Prices are in Canadian dollars before HST, as of October 2026. Every project is confirmed with a written quote after a site visit.
Local knowledge
Basement Underpinning in North York.
Homes like these
Post-war basements usually have reasonable height and a side entrance, which suits both family space and a second suite.
Housing
In North York, post-war bungalows and side-splits on wide lots sit beside large new custom homes.
Permits
Building permits in North York are issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building, North York district). We prepare the drawings, submit the application and book the inspections.
Areas we cover
We work throughout North York, including Willowdale, Bayview Village, Don Mills, York Mills, Bedford Park and Bathurst Manor.
Bungalows with potential
North York's wide lots suit second-storey additions and full rebuilds, and many original bungalows are renovated or replaced each year.
Part of Toronto
North York follows Toronto's zoning and permit process, including the rules for garden suites and additional units.
Before you start
What to know.
Permits and engineering
Underpinning always needs a building permit and a design by a professional engineer. The work is done in a set sequence of short sections so the house stays supported throughout.
Shared walls
In semi-detached and row houses the foundation is shared, so the neighbour's side has to be considered in the engineering and often in a written agreement.
Do it with the rest
Lowering the floor is the right moment to replace old drains, add a bathroom rough-in and waterproof from the inside.
How we work
One team for every stage.
- AssessWe survey the house as it stands.
- Design and permitsDrawings and approvals before work starts.
- Strip-outWhat is worn out comes off.
- RebuildStructure, wiring, plumbing and walls.
- FinishesCabinetry, tile, floors and paint.
- HandoverWalkthrough and documents.
Questions
Basement Underpinning in North York: the short answers.
- How much does basement underpinning cost in North York?
- With Zigma Group, basement underpinning starts from $320 per linear ft. Prices are in Canadian dollars before HST, as of October 2026, and are confirmed after a site visit. The main factors are length of foundation wall to be underpinned; how far the floor is lowered; and shared walls, access and soil conditions.
- What is the difference between underpinning and bench footing?
- Underpinning extends the existing foundation walls straight down, keeping the full floor area. Bench footing leaves the old footing in place and builds a concrete ledge inside it, which is simpler but takes floor space around the perimeter.
- Is underpinning safe for my house?
- It is a standard method when designed by an engineer and done in the specified sequence under a permit, with inspections at each stage.
- Do you do basement underpinning projects in North York?
- Yes. We work throughout North York, including Willowdale, Bayview Village, Don Mills, York Mills, Bedford Park and Bathurst Manor. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 to arrange a visit.
- Who issues the permit for this work in North York?
- Where a permit is needed, it is issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building, North York district). We prepare the drawings and handle the application and inspections.
Book a consultation
Tell us what you want to change.
Call or email and we will arrange a visit. We work across the Greater Toronto Area and have been renovating and building homes since 2006.