LICENSED AND CERTIFIED

Basement Lowering and Underpinning Structural Engineering

Protect your home’s structural integrity while transforming your basement into a more comfortable and functional living space. StrongBuilds provides the professional engineering oversight required for safe and code-compliant basement underpinning projects.

OUR SERVICES

Structural Engineering Solutions for Basement Lowering

We provide comprehensive structural engineering solutions for foundation reinforcement and basement lowering projects throughout the GTA. Our designs help maintain the structural integrity of existing homes while maximizing usable living space.

Mass Concrete Underpinning

We design sequential excavation and underpinning to extend your foundation walls safely. This method provides long-term structural stability while allowing for a new, lower basement floor without sacrificing existing square footage.

Concrete Bench Footing Solutions

If soil conditions or constraints from neighbouring properties prevent traditional underpinning, we provide engineered concrete benching designs. This solution creates a structural bench in the basement to safely support the existing foundations.

Walkouts and Separate Entrances

Our basement lowering services can also include engineering for new structural openings. We provide stamped drawings for basement walkouts and separate entrances to help ensure your new living space is safe, functional, and code-compliant.

WHY US

The StrongBuilds Difference

Work with structural engineering specialists who prioritize safety, compliance, and clear communication throughout your project.

Licensed Engineering Firm

Authorized by the PEO to provide professional engineering design services and code-compliant structural solutions.

Insured & Experienced

Fully insured with up to $2,000,000 in coverage and backed by experience across more than 1,000 residential projects.

Direct Access to a Professional Engineer

Collaborate directly with an experienced professional engineer to ensure your project is efficient, practical, and buildable.

THE PROCESS

Your Project in Five Easy Steps

Step One

Step Two

We assess your existing structure and identify the structural requirements of the walls involved.

Step Three

We prepare structural layouts based on your vision for a more open and functional floor plan.

Step Four

Our engineering team completes the beam sizing and structural modifications for your review and approval.

Step Five

We submit the building permit application and respond to technical comments or revision requests from the municipality as needed.

OUR WORK

Residential Structural Engineering Projects Across the GTA

We provide precise structural engineering for basement underpinning projects across Toronto, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Markham, Hamilton, Oakville, Etobicoke, and the surrounding areas.

SCARBOROUGH

Project Norbury

Crawl space conversion, including column removals, foundation wall reinforcement, and open-concept structural design.

RICHMOND HILL

Project Kiwi

Separate entrance and basement walkout for a secondary suite, including engineering for foundation openings, retaining walls, and a new concrete floor.

OUR CLIENTS

Solutions for Every Project Stakeholder

Homeowners

Ensure your renovation is safe, code-compliant, and properly engineered to help protect your home and insurance coverage.

Designers & Architects

We provide the structural drawings, calculations, and professional stamps needed to support your architectural plans.

Contractors

Count on responsive engineering support and fast turnaround times to help keep your project on schedule.

TESTIMONIALS

Trusted by Homeowners & Professionals

Our clients trust us because we ensure every project is structurally sound, safe, and delivered on time.

"Strongbuilds made the process seamless from start to finish. Their expertise in drawing and permit services turned our backyard into a beautiful, livable space."

Jessica Martinez

Homeowner, Toronto

“Exceptional service and attention to detail! The team at Strongbuilds exceeded our expectations and made our laneway suite project stress-free.”

Alex Turner

Property Developer

"Thanks to Strongbuilds, our garden suite addition was completed with ease. Their professionalism and deep understanding of permits ensured everything went smoothly.”

Michael Grant

Homeowner

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a basement get underpinned (lowered)?

To lower a basement, contractors excavate beneath the home’s existing foundation footings in carefully planned stages. These excavations are typically 2 to 4 feet wide and spaced approximately 6 to 9 feet apart. Concrete is then poured into each section to extend the foundation deeper. Once the concrete cures, the next stage begins. Most homes require multiple stages of underpinning to complete the process safely.

What happens to the interior basement walls or columns during underpinning?

Basement lowering often requires the removal of existing partition walls and structural columns. StrongBuilds provides engineered structural designs to replace or reinforce any load-bearing elements affected during construction.

I have a semi-detached home. Does that change anything in the underpinning process?

Yes. Underpinning a shared wall typically requires a written agreement from your neighbour before a building permit can be issued. StrongBuilds can provide the required agreement templates and guidance.

If my neighbour does not agree to underpin the shared wall, what should we do?

You can still proceed with your basement lowering project. We provide custom hybrid underpinning and benching solutions designed to remain within your property limits.

What is the difference between underpinning and benching?

Underpinning extends the foundation deeper into the ground, allowing for a full-height basement while preserving usable floor space. Benching leaves the existing footings in place and adds a concrete bench inside the basement for structural support. While benching is often more cost-effective, it reduces usable basement space.

Will I lose basement space with underpinning?

Traditional underpinning can reduce usable basement width by several inches along the foundation walls. Where conditions allow, we can provide flush underpinning solutions to help preserve as much floor space as possible.

Do I need a survey to obtain an underpinning permit?

In most cases, yes. A legal property survey is typically required as part of the permit application. While a site plan can sometimes be prepared without one, acceptance is subject to municipal review.

Do I need a permit for a basement walkout or a separate entrance?

Yes. Any modification to the foundation or creation of a new entrance requires a building permit. Our structural designs include the necessary reinforcements, drainage considerations, and retaining wall details to help ensure the project meets building code requirements.