The moment a foundation issue is detected, narrow down the area in your basement right away. Feel free to move any furniture, couches or carpet that are in the way to allow us to make evaluation process easier. On the exterior of foundation wall, take note of your existing grade, shrubbery, trees, water taps or any variable that may be contributing to the leak. Remember, don't forget to check your eavestroughs!
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Basement Underpinning
Services by GJ MacRae
How We Do It? Don’t Build Up or Out –Build Down
Step 1
The first step is to contact an architect or an engineer to come to your home for a design drawing. The drawing is a detailed plan of the moving structure and how to extend the load-bearing walls of the entire basement. It's then submitted to the local government for stamping and building permits before our process begins.
Step 2
After the approval, we begin the process. The basement is emptied, and the furnace connections are re-routed. We install temporary jacks to support the home in place, along with steel beams to distribute the structure's weight.
Step 3
After the jacks are in place, we start with the excavation. The concrete floor is removed, and soil is excavated to the proper elevation. We only dig out the pins in sections according to the drawings. Digging them all at once will result in the house collapsing. The digging is carried out in three stages and very carefully, so make sure you choose the right contractor for the job!.
Step 4
The foundation walls are divided into multiple zones, and we work for only one group at a time to avoid structural damage. We pour new foundation footings into one zone and let it cure. After they are done, we move into another spot, and so on.
Step 5
Once all the zones are completed and set, we install new plumbing and waterproofing systems in the basement walls and footings. Drainage systems are installed in place before we move into the next step.
Step 6
Then we put a minimum of 6 inches of ¾” gravel on the floor for the base. This allows for proper drainage and acts as a floor base. A new concrete floor is then poured and left to set. There you go; your taller, stronger, and waterproof basement is ready after the underpinning process.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Basement underpinning is a construction technique that involves strengthening the foundation of a building by excavating soil beneath the foundation and reinforcing it with concrete or steel. Also, it is done to get more space in the basement for use.
Basement underpinning is necessary when the existing foundation is not strong enough to support the weight of the building or if the foundation has suffered damage due to natural disasters or other causes. Also, people choose basement underpinning when they want some extra space and do not want to expand up or sideways.
The duration of basement underpinning depends on the size of the building and the complexity of the project. It can take several weeks to several months to complete.
The cost of basement underpinning varies depending on the size of the building, the type of foundation, and the extent of the work required.
No, basement underpinning is not a DIY project. It requires specialized knowledge, equipment, and expertise. It is important to hire a professional contractor who has experience with basement underpinning. You can call GJ MacRae anytime for a free quote.
Basement underpinning can increase the structural integrity of a building, increase the living space in a home or building, and increase the overall value of the property.
When choosing a contractor for basement underpinning, it is important to look for someone who has experience with similar projects, is licensed and insured, and provides a written contract and warranty for their work. You can also check their references and reviews from previous clients. We have been providing basement underpinning services for almost four decades and maintain the highest level of work quality. So it is a no brainer to choose us as your basement underpinning company.
Need Some Extra Space? The Solution is Right Below Your Feet
No matter how big your house is, you never seem to have enough space for storage. This is the story of every household. Having a home with enough storage space is something everyone wants. Most people tend to build up or build sideways to tackle the space problem. However, these solutions are not as good and efficient as building them down. Yes, you heard that right. You can build down instead of building up or building sideways. Building sideways is not that good of an option because you lose a good chunk of space from your garden/backyard, and your house may look strange dimensionally-speaking. Also, building up requires a tremendous amount of money and changing the entire structure of your upper floors to increase ceiling height. Building down is the most convenient, cost-effective and efficient way to get more space in your house. Building down takes way less money and does not require sacrificing your backyard or garden space, plus no reassessment of property taxes!.
The Most Trusted Basement Underpinning Company in Toronto
GJ MacRae Foundation Repair is an entirely family-owned basement waterproofing and foundation repair company providing basement underpinning and other services in the GTA since 1975. We have almost five decades of experience providing basement underpinning services in Toronto. Having served over 10,000+ customers, we are one of the best basement underpinning companies in Toronto. Our experienced staff teamed up with the latest tools and underpinning methods to create an ideal solution for your basement.
GJ MacRae Foundation Repair has been serving 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.
Why Basements Underpinning?
Basement underpinning is the process of digging under the existing footing and pouring in new footings. Basement underpinning reinforces the current footing and adds significant height to the existing footings. The soil underneath the existing footing is carefully dug out, and a new footing is poured vertically. Temporary jacks are installed to support the beams as the new footings are completed. A new drainage system is installed beneath, and all the necessary plumbing work is done, followed by pouring a new concrete floor. This entire process helps to increase the height of your ceiling by several feet without compromising the livable space like in bench footings.
Basement underpinning is done because of several reasons. Most people want to repair their old footing and reinforce them with new stronger footing that can carry additional weight. Or, some homeowners are looking to increase their basement ceiling height to create a livable space with more storage space. Due to these features, your basement is strong, more usable, and will get a much better value during the sale. Underpinning your foundation is completed for various reasons, including stabilizing your home from structural damage or creating a larger living space. Here are 4 other reasons basement underpinning in Toronto homes benefits you.
Basement Underpinning Makes Your Home Easily Accessible
During basement underpinning, when you remove the existing floor, you get to understand the hidden mechanics of your home. Also, any needed repairs can be carried out during basement underpinning, such as upgrading the waterproofing system, changing the plumbing and electrical wires, or repairing the insulation system. These minor repairs in time can prevent major expenses in the future.
Taller Basement Height means More Livable Space.
One of the major reasons why people do basement underpinning is to increase the height of their basement ceiling. Old homes were constructed without considering much of the basement height, which is why basement underpinning in Toronto is very popular these days. A taller basement means you can use it for a game room, store room, an inlaw suite or a separate basement apartment.
Eliminates Structural Problems in the Foundation.
Due to weather conditions, soil types, or simply the age of the building, the foundation footings can start to deteriorate. They can be a huge risk if not taken care of. Underpinning your basement involves adding a new footing beneath the existing footings and making necessary repairs to your footings and foundation walls. This ensures that your footings are stronger and eliminates the structural problems in the foundation walls.
Value For Money/ Cost Effective
Basement underpinning is value for money because it gives your house a new life by strengthening the footings, and you also get a taller basement, allowing you to enjoy more livable space. And if someday you feel like selling the house, you are guaranteed to get a better value for your home. Investing in basement underpinning is one of the best gifts you can give to your house in the long run.
GJ MacRae Foundation Repair has been serving 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.
Why Choose us?
GJ MacRae Foundation Repair is one of the most renowned and experienced companies in Toronto that provides basement underpinning services. We have been providing basement underpinning services in Toronto for almost 50 years. To date, we have carried out thousands of basement underpinning projects and delivered quality workmanship in the process. Our highly experienced staff have the skill and composure to perform the task safely. If carried out without proper experience, basement underpinning can be a significant risk for the entire house. You should always work with a professional and experienced basement underpinning specialist like GJ MacRae Foundation Repair.
Through the years, GJ MacRae has worked with 10,000+ customers and has been featured in popular sites like Homestars, HGTV and Google Guaranteed. We are a completely family-owned company that also provides a transferable warranty. Along with basement underpinning services in Toronto, we also offer basement foundation crack repair, basement waterproofing, structural foundation repair, French drain installation, weeping tile system installation, sump pump installation, window wells installation, and a complete structural foundation repair service.
A Word from Our Customers
Excellent service from beginning to end. We would highly recommend this company. Dean assessed the problem (water leaking into our furnace room as a result of a window well that another company had incorrectly installed previously) and provided a thorough estimate detailing every aspect of the project. He then scheduled the job to be done before the big winter storm that had been forecast. The crew arrived exactly on time and completed the job, to the very best professional standard, in less than a day. We are so glad we chose G.J. MacRae. Thank you very much.
Amazing Service! GJ MacRae Foundation repair provided timely and superior quality service. Everything went exactly as planned from our initial consult and quote. Workers were on time, the quote was accurate and the work was high quality. We have a perfectionist contractor and he was incredibly impressed with Gavin and the team and he noted that the work was exceptional Inside and out on the project. The site was was clean and looked perfect when completed. Would highly recommend this service to our friends and family and others looking for this type of work! We can’t say enough good things and are so thankful!
Our second time utilising GJ MacRae Foundation; separate issues. Their professionalism and respect for their clients is highly commendable. Office team, sales and on-site crew all compliment each other.Highly recommend GJ MacRae Foundation company!
My fiancé and I can not say enough amazing things about GJ Mcrae. As first time home owners with water damage in our basement, GJ mcrae took care of everything so quickly and we’re extremely professional, reducing any worries we had. Would recommend this company over and over again. Dean was so easy with work with and continued to support us throughout the process. Thanks so much for the amazing job.
We had GJ Macrae underpin our 1890s house in Leslieville over the summer. The team showed up on time every day, the project moved so smoothly. I wish I had another basement for them to underpin.Highly recommend GJ Macrae for any basement or underpinning work. The final result looks fantastic, we have a beautiful basement, with nice tall ceilings!The whole team was a pleasure to work with! 5 stars!
Industry-leading GJ MacRae Services
GJ MacRae Foundation Repair provides customers with top-notch services in foundation repair in Toronto. There are various Waterproofing Services available such as Basement Waterproofing, Interior/Exterior Weeping Tile Systems, Sump Pump Installation, Crack repair, etc. Over 48 years of experience and 10,000+ satisfied customers from Toronto, our licensed specialists are completely confident that we can guarantee the best results with the most reasonable price and warranty for each type of project request.
Basement Waterproofing Toronto
We specialize in basement waterproofing services for below grade concrete block, poured concrete, field stone, and rubble stone foundation walls. With over 40 years of service in the GTA and backed by the most reliable warranty in the business, see what the GJ MacRae difference is all about.
Foundation Crack Repair Toronto
Is there a crack in your poured, block, or rubble stone foundation wall, and is this crack allowing water to leak into your basement? Why do interior crack repair methods simply not work? Trust the experts and see why GJ MacRae Foundation Repair carries the most reliable crack repair warranty in the business.
Weeping Tile Systems Toronto
A century-old technology, reborn! Our services also include interior and exterior weeping tile systems coupled with deep insights and experience relating to all things drainage. Ask us about the difference between interior and exterior drainage methods and enjoy the benefit of our expertise!
Sump Pumps Toronto
Sump pumps and sump basins are an integral part of all below grade drainage strategies due to their simplicity, reliability, low cost and proven effectiveness. Ensure your sump pump, basin and battery backup system are well maintained and ready for the next big rain or thaw.
Structural Wall Repairs Toronto
Is the structure of your home moving and is this movement accelerating as the years pass? The sooner the integrity of your foundation is restored, the better. We have a full line of time-tested, certified structural foundation repair solutions tailored to your scope and budget.
Crumbling Foundations Toronto
Are your foundation walls spalling, eroding or fragmenting? Is this damage accelerating through the years? Stopping moisture penetration through your above grade concrete structure is imperative. We offer brush parging, s-type, adhesive, mesh, fiber and thermal-slurry solutions for a lasting barrier.
Basement Underpinning Toronto
GJ MacRae are pioneers of the overflow underpinning method in the Greater Toronto Area. Our underpinning process allows for safe, reliable vertical increases in basement ceiling height that can turn crawl spaces into full living quarters; and all for less than a standard second story addition.
Structural Carbon Fiber Toronto
When your foundation walls begin to show signs of cracking or bowing it is generally an indication of severe exterior lateral pressure from tree roots, hydrostatics or poorly draining soil. Click here to find out more about our full line of carbon fiber foundation reinforcement applications.
Window Wells Toronto
Basement windows are a great source of natural light and can also act as a designated fire escape, but what happens when window wells begin to deteriorate, clog and leak? Our hand excavated exterior window well repair solutions are permanent and allow for unimpeded drainage all year long, guaranteed.
Get the Most Out of Your Basement by Underpinning
Gone are the days when the basement was just another crawl space that was cold, damp and smelled musty. Get the most out of your basement by basement underpinning. Get a basement with sufficient height and utilize the space in many ways. Use your basement as a game room, party room, or bedroom. You can enjoy a better basement with basement underpinning and a stronger foundation structure. All the necessary upgrades and repairs can be carried out during basement underpinning, increasing your house’s life expectancy. What more can you ask for a tall basement, more usable space, stronger foundations, and higher value for the home?
Wait no longer and contact GJ MacRae. Contact us today for a free consultation. Fill out the form below or contact us at (905) 824-2557 for more information.
Schedule A Visit With Us Now!
After you fill out the form below, we will contact you as soon as possible for A FREE ESTIMATE. If you still have any questions, feel free to contact us anytime.
- Phone : (905) 824-2557
- Email: hello@wetbasements.com
- Address: GJ MacRae Foundation Repair 470 Winston Churchill Blvd Oakville, Ontario L6J-7X2