fbpx Skip to main content

GJ MacRae Foundation Repair

THE GTA'S HIGHEST RATED

Bench Footing Toronto & GTA

Solid Support, Solid Results! Trust GJ MacRae for Professional Bench Footings in Toronto.

Our Services Are Trusted By

Bench Footing: Cost Effective Basement Lowering

A common problem in every household is needing more space! The house you bought had enough space at first, but you felt the squeeze as years passed! You purchased a new couch but wanted to keep the old one, and now there’s no space to store it. Or you bought a pool table to play with your pals, but there’s no space to keep it. So you think about building up or sideways but don’t realize the enormous cost! Building up requires you to change the entire structure of your upper floors to increase the ceiling height, which will cost you a fortune. Building sideways is not ideal either; you must sacrifice much of your favorite garden or yard space!

But what if we tell you you can expand your basement without spending a lot or giving away your outdoor garden space? A special kind of underpinning method, called Bench Pinning or Bench Footing, can increase your basement’s ceiling height.

bench footing

Bench Footing Experts in Toronto

GJ MacRae Foundation Repair is an entirely family-owned basement waterproofing and foundation repair company that has been providing basement underpinning and bench footing services in Toronto and the GTA since 1975. Having served over 10,000+ customers, we are one of the best basement underpinning companies in Toronto, and our experienced team can create an ideal solution for your basement. GJ MacRae Foundation Repair has served The GTA, Hamilton, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Toronto, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Georgetown, and surrounding areas since 1975. Need more space in your house? Give us a call.

Benefits of Bench Footing

Bench footing or Bench underpinning is the process of expanding your basement height. You can raise the height of your basement without digging under the foundation wall and footing. This method supports the original foundation and is connected to the new floor at a lower height. This method is safe, quick, and economical compared to other basement height-increasing methods.

Bench Footing basement is ideal for homeowners whose houses are very close or attached to another building, and performing basement underpinning may be risky. Suppose you want to increase your basement height quicker and under a small budget. In that case, a bench footing is the ideal solution for you. Even though you can get the desired height, you must sacrifice a little of your square footage to install a bench footing. However, it is still a win-win. You get a taller, livable basement and more robust foundation support at a fraction of the cost of a complete underpinning installation.

bench_pinning

Bench Footing Installation Process

01

The first step is to contact an engineer to come to your home for a design drawing. The drawing is a detailed plan of the structure and a plan on how to extend the footings and remove load-bearing walls throughout the entire basement. This plan is then used to obtain a building permit from the city.

02

Once the permit is in place, the next step is to prepare the site and clear everything out of the basement. After everything is cleared out, the excavation process starts. We dig a pit in the ground according to the desired dimensions and depth of the bench footing. The trench should be wide enough to accommodate the bench’s width and deep enough to provide stability.

03

We then installed reinforcement bars within the trench and created a formwork. The size and spacing should be according to your desired bench footing size.

04

After everything is set, we pour the concrete into the form. Then, the surface is leveled to create a smooth bench. The concrete structure is then left to cure.

05

New drainage and weeping tile systems have been installed on the newly dug floor. This will help to keep your basement functioning and waterproofed adequately.

06

After everything is in place, a new concrete floor is poured, and the new floor is a few feet below the original floor. You will get a taller basement and a new floor when the new concrete floor cures.

HIGH QUALITY FOUNDATION REPAIR

Why Choose GJ MacRae?

Interior basement waterproofing and underpinning
KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE LONG TERM

Protect Your Foundation

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Some Kind Words From Our Customers

Posted on Google Google
A D profile picture
A D
53 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Going thru some old files for my rental property, I discovered a contract which Gavin had signed in Jan 2007 to repair a foundation leak in my basement. This leak had been 'fixed' multiple times by others using epoxy. Gavin explained that the only sure way to fix the leak once and for all, was to dig down to the foundation from the outside to seal the cracks, plus provide a waterproof barrier against the wall. The work was done excellently and came with a 15 year warranty. It has been 19 years and no leaks have occurred. If you want a basement leak fixed right the first time, then contact GJ MacRae Foundation Repair. Highly recommended.
Posted on Google Google
Bob Fuller profile picture
Bob Fuller
55 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dean and his team did a highly professional repair to our foundation. We needed expediency and Dean ensured we were taken care of.
Posted on Google Google
Diane Prest profile picture
Diane Prest
140 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Today Gavin MacRae did thorough inspection of 2 sump pumps & battery backups which he installed in 2018 - both systems still performing well. Prior to 2018 MacRae Foundation did extensive foundation/waterproofing for us - quality of workmanship excellent. Without hesitation, strongly recommend MacRae Foundation.
Posted on Google Google
Liza McIntyre profile picture
Liza McIntyre
204 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
GJ MacRae provided us with interior and exterior waterproofing, as well as the installation of a sump pump. From start to finish , they were professional, courteous, on time and budget. Their customer service is exceptional and I’ve recommended their services to friends and neighbours without hesitation. L. McIntyre
Posted on Google Google
chad youden profile picture
chad youden
247 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I can’t say enough about GJ macrae. This company truly does go above and beyond for their clients. Extremely professional and clean work, done properly!! I will not hesitate to tell all my family and friends if they ever have a foundation leak or wet basement to call this company. Thank you again GJ macrae for helping me and my family!
Posted on Google Google
Gabhan Chalmers profile picture
Gabhan Chalmers
325 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a difficult project requiring excavation, waterproofing, and installing a sump pump on a 130 year old house, and GJ MacRae did an amazing and very thorough job. They went above and beyond to repair the foundation that had started to deteriorate as well. Very professional and high quality work. I'd definitely recommend this company!
Posted on Google Google
Rob Fratric profile picture
Rob Fratric
471 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great job. Fast response to inquiries, job done fast and professionally. Put everything around the area back in place to the point where you wouldn't even know any work was done afterwards. Would 100% recommend calling them if you have a foundation repair issue.
Posted on Google Google
LC profile picture
LC
514 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Let's just say that there aren't many companies of this calibre around these days. We've been dealing with GJ MacRae for the last seven years for everything sump pump related. Seven years ago the fine folks at GJ MacRae came in and replaced our existing sump with a modern unit complete with a marine battery backup and secondary pump. We have a ton of ground water around here and when it rains our sump fires non stop. Everything has been perfect and when it came time to service our system seven years in, GJ MacRae was all over it. Exceptional service, communication price and product. It's rare to see all 3 these days. Thanks for everything Gavin.
Posted on Google Google
Jeff S profile picture
Jeff S
540 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Gavin of GJ MacRae and his team did an amazing, quick and clean installation of a sump pump in our basement! I was very impressed with every aspect, from communication, to timing, to the finished product! Absolutely would recommend them! Thanks Gavin!
Posted on Google Google
Dave Frei profile picture
Dave Frei
556 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
When you are doing a large scale project like ours (basement dig, under pin, beam replacement and waterproofing), you need an expert team like GJ MacRae. They have the experience and the know-how to give you peace of mind that the job is being done right the first time. Gavin and his team showed up on time every day with a plan and executed it with precision! These guys are the best in the business!
Verified by Trustindex
Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Increase Your Basement Height with Bench Footings: A Budget-Friendly Alternative to Underpinning

There are many methods to increase your basement height. Still, if you want something budget-friendly, a bench footing is the way to go. Bench footings can be carried out without hindering the existing footing, and adding the new bench enhances the structural integrity of your foundations. Also, it is very cost-effective and can be done very quickly.

So, if you have a basement with too little height, weak footing, and cracked foundation walls, contact GJ MacRae, the finest bench footing contractor in Toronto. We provide the best bench footing service in Toronto, basement waterproofing, and other foundation repair services. Give us a call or fill out the form below, and our team will inspect your basement and provide an ideal solution. Feel free to contact us at (905) 824-2557 or complete the form below.

structural-foundation-repair
YOUR FREE GUIDE TO BASEMENT WATERPROOFING

Download Our Free eBook

We’re honored to provide these resources to help you on your journey, and we know reputations are hard to build and easy to lose. That’s why our business is built around two simple promises:

Honesty and Transparency.

We genuinely want each step of your journey (from the very first Google search to a leak-free basement) to be positive!

GJ MacRae Foundation Repair eBook
LOCAL repairs near you

What Does quality Foundation Repair Look Like?

RECENT PROJECT PHOTOS


RECENT PROJECT VIDEOS

Our Service Areas

At GJ MacRae, we take pride in extending our services across the GTA to meet our valued customers’ unique needs, and our dedicated team is committed to delivering top-notch solutions all year long. Our expansive service areas are a testament to our unwavering commitment to the highest quality foundation repair services and customer satisfaction in the GTA.

WE'RE EXCITED TO GET STARTED!

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

Fill out our request form and we will contact you as soon as possible for a free foundation repair consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions

In Toronto, basement underpinning costs can range from $750 to $950 per linear foot. For most projects, it costs around $70,000. So, for the exact cost of your project, it’s best to talk to a professional underpinning service.
Benching is a preventive or corrective technique to improve stability. In contrast, underpinning is a more extensive solution to tackle significant foundation problems. Additionally, underpinning is also used to deepen a foundation.
The cost of underpinning falls between $750 and $950 per linear foot due to the complex foundation work required. In contrast, benching offers a more economical solution. Its expenses range from $450 to $650 per linear foot.
Potentially, but it depends on the specific circumstances of your property and the extent of the floor lowering required.
The cost of foundation benching ranges from $35,000 to $45,000. This process includes constructing a concrete ledge or ‘bench’ along the inner walls of the basement. The foundation is then lowered within this benched area. It is then followed by pouring a new concrete floor at a lower depth.
Basement benching requires approximately four to six weeks for completion. This method resembles underpinning but involves creating a bench inside the basement without excavating beneath the foundation.

Expert Waterproofing Services for Your Home

GJ MacRae Foundation Repair has been the industry leader for reliable basement waterproofing in the Greater Toronto Area Since 1975. Nearly five decades of experience inform our proven multi-stage repair process based on below-grade drainage considerations that allow us to waterproof concrete blocks, poured walls, and stone rubble foundation walls properly for the long term. Our repair solutions for leaking foundation cracks include using bitumen-based barrier membranes and high-efficiency weeping tile systems, which give us the edge in reliability and allow for the most robust foundation repair warranty available today in the GTA. Experience the GJ MacRae difference for year-round basement leak repairs in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, Hamilton, Milton, and Georgetown. If you spot cracked foundation walls, leaky foundations, or any other basement waterproofing issues in your house, reach out and call us today at (905) 824-2557.

Quality Foundation Repair Done Right.