How much does basement underpinning cost in Toronto?

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 Toronto?

Yes. We work throughout Toronto, including Leaside, The Annex, High Park, Riverdale, The Beaches, Forest Hill and Lawrence Park. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 to arrange a visit.

Who issues the permit for this work in Toronto?

Where a permit is needed, it is issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building). We prepare the drawings and handle the application and inspections.

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Basement Underpinning

Basements · Toronto

Basement Underpinning in Toronto

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 Toronto, much of the housing is pre-war: narrow semis and detached brick houses with plaster walls, old wiring and shared party walls.

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Foundation work on site with steel reinforcement cages and formwork — From our Damavand project

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 Toronto.

Homes like these
Older basements tend to be low and damp, on stone or early concrete foundations, so waterproofing and often underpinning come first.
Housing
In Toronto, much of the housing is pre-war: narrow semis and detached brick houses with plaster walls, old wiring and shared party walls.
Permits
Building permits in Toronto are issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building). We prepare the drawings, submit the application and book the inspections.
Areas we cover
We work throughout Toronto, including Leaside, The Annex, High Park, Riverdale, The Beaches, Forest Hill and Lawrence Park.
Suites and multiplexes
Toronto permits laneway suites, garden suites and, on most residential lots, up to four units in a house. That makes basement apartments and rear additions more feasible here than in many suburbs.
Tight lots
Narrow lots and shared walls mean additions and underpinning often need a minor variance or a neighbour's cooperation, so the approvals take planning.

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 Toronto: the short answers.

How much does basement underpinning cost in Toronto?: 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 Toronto?: Yes. We work throughout Toronto, including Leaside, The Annex, High Park, Riverdale, The Beaches, Forest Hill and Lawrence Park. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 to arrange a visit.
Who issues the permit for this work in Toronto?: Where a permit is needed, it is issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building). We prepare the drawings and handle the application and inspections.