Underpinning

About the service

Underpinning is used to strengthen an existing foundation and, in many projects, increase usable basement height. Powell Group has extensive experience with structural underpinning in Toronto homes, where older foundations, limited basement height, and existing site conditions can make this work particularly complex.

Every underpinning project begins with an assessment of the existing structure and the goals for the space. From there, the work is carefully planned and coordinated with the appropriate engineering, permitting, and construction requirements before excavation begins.

What’s included

The exact scope depends on the property, but underpinning work can include assessment and planning, coordination with engineering and permit requirements, staged excavation around the existing foundation, and construction of new reinforced foundation sections to the required depth.

Where the project involves a basement renovation, the work may also include waterproofing, plumbing modifications, preparation for a new basement slab, and coordination of related structural and interior work. Excavation is completed in carefully sequenced sections to maintain support for the existing structure throughout construction.

Once the structural work is complete, Powell Group can coordinate the next stages of the basement project so the new space is ready for the planned finishes and use.