Basement Lowering in East York Bungalow
About This Project
This 1920s East York bungalow had a basement that was essentially unusable—5'6" ceiling height with a dirt floor in some areas. The homeowners wanted to create a legal basement apartment for rental income. We lowered the floor by 30 inches through bench-style underpinning, poured a new concrete slab with in-floor drainage, and waterproofed the foundation. The finished space now has 8' ceilings, a separate entrance, and generates significant rental income.
Before & After
Before
After
Scope of Work
✓
Structural engineering and permit drawings
✓
Bench-style underpinning in 4' sections
✓
Lowered floor by 30 inches
✓
New 4" concrete slab with vapor barrier
✓
Interior weeping tile and sump pump
✓
Exterior waterproofing membrane
✓
Window well enlargement for egress
✓
Separate entrance installation
Results
→
Increased ceiling height from 5'6" to 8'
→
Legal basement apartment with separate entrance
→
Rental income covering significant portion of mortgage
→
Added approximately $150,000 to home value
Project Gallery
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Our 1920s house had a 5'6" basement—basically storage. Now it's 8 feet with a legal apartment. The rental income covers a big chunk of our mortgage. Should have done it years ago."
— David & Lisa T., East York, Toronto
Project Details
Original Height
5'6"
Final Height
8'0"
Basement Size
750 sq ft
Duration
10 weeks
Want Similar Results?
Let's discuss your project. We'll assess your needs and provide a detailed, no-obligation quote.
Learn more about
Underpinning
Basement underpinning & lowering in Toronto, Mississauga & GTA. Engineer-supervised, permits handled, 10-year workmanship warranty. Add 2-3 ft of ceiling height. 25+ years, 4.9★ reviews. Free engineering consult.
View Underpinning Services →Ready to Start Your Project?
Get a free estimate for your underpinning project in Toronto.
Request Free Estimate