Many homeowners in Toronto face the same problem: a basement with great potential but frustratingly low ceilings, damp walls, and outdated mechanical systems. While many contractors offer to simply “dig a hole and pour concrete,” RenoDuck provides a fundamentally different approach.

We don’t just offer basement underpinning; we provide an integrated structural solution designed specifically for homeowners who plan to finish their basement into a premium living space.

Signs Your Home Might Need Underpinning

Beyond wanting more headspace, your foundation may be signaling that it needs structural intervention:

  • Cracks in Foundation Walls: Horizontal or stair-step cracks often indicate shifting soil or foundation fatigue.
  • Uneven or Sloping Floors: If your basement floor feels like it’s “dipping,” the underlying slab may be failing.
  • Musty Smells and Persistent Dampness: Old foundations lack modern waterproofing. Underpinning allows us to install a complete exterior-grade drainage system from the inside out.
  • Obstructed Living Space: If you can’t walk upright without dodging low-hanging beams or ducts, underpinning is the only way to achieve a “legal” and comfortable ceiling height.

The Benefits of Underpinning Your Basement

Investing in a professional underpinning project is about more than just height; it’s about transforming an auxiliary storage area into a high-value asset.

  • Increased Ceiling Height: Transition from a cramped 6-foot cellar to a spacious 8 or 9-foot living area.
  • Full Usable Square Footage: Gain maximum floor space without the intrusive ledges required by benching.
  • Superior Moisture Protection: By lowering the floor, we install new weeping tiles, a sump pump, and a high-performance waterproofing membrane.
  • Higher Resale Value: A professionally underpinned basement provides a massive ROI, as it effectively adds an entire floor of living space to your home’s appraisal.
  • Legal Rental Potential: Meet the Ontario Building Code requirements for ceiling height to create a legal basement apartment.

The RenoDuck Full Basement Underpinning Process

Underpinning is one of the most complex residential construction tasks. We manage the risk through a meticulous, engineering-led process:

  1. Inspection & Engineering: We begin with a structural assessment and professional engineering drawings.
  2. Permits & Approvals: We handle all municipal permits in Toronto, Vaughan to ensure your project is 100% legal.
  3. Excavation Stages: We dig in “pins” (sections), usually 3 or 4 feet wide, to ensure the house remains supported throughout the process.
  4. Concrete Pouring: New high-strength concrete is poured to create the extended foundation.
  5. Waterproofing & Drainage: Installation of internal weeping tiles, a dimpled membrane, and a high-capacity sump pump system.
  6. Mechanical Relocation: We don’t just leave pipes hanging. We lower the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical components to match the new floor height.
  7. Final Inspections: We coordinate with city inspectors for the final sign-off, ensuring your permit is closed successfully.
RenoDuck-Full-Basement-Underpinning-Process

Client Testimonials

As Seen and Heard Online

Why Most Underpinning Projects Become Renovation Nightmares

Most homeowners hire a “digging crew” because they have the lowest quote. This is often a $50,000 mistake.

Standard underpinning contractors focus only on the dirt and concrete. They leave you with:

  • Fragmented Results: A lowered floor, but plumbing rough-ins that are in the wrong place for your future bathroom.
  • The “Hanging” Mechanicals: Furnaces and electrical panels left hanging at the original height, requiring expensive secondary contractors to fix.
  • Incomplete Permits: Many crews walk away before the final inspection, leaving you with “Open Permits” that stall future home sales.
  • Rework Costs: When the renovation team arrives, they often have to jackhammer the new concrete to fix poorly planned drainage or plumbing.

RenoDuck eliminates this friction by planning for the finish line before we ever pick up a shovel.

Why Choose RenoDuck?

  • The RenoDuck Advantage: Integrated Structural Solutions – We are a renovation-first company. We don’t see a basement as a hole in the ground; we see it as your future guest suite, home cinema, or gym. We plan the underpinning based on your final layout.
  • Precision Rough-Ins & Layout Planning – We place your plumbing, drains, and sewage ejectors exactly where your future walls will be. This “Design-Before-Pour” approach saves you thousands in renovation costs later.
  • Complete Mechanical Relocation – We are one of the few contractors that handle the entire scope. We lower your HVAC ductwork, relocate gas lines, and lower the electrical panel so your basement feels like a seamless extension of your upper floors.
  • Industry-Leading Warranty – While typical contractors offer a basic 1-to-2-year warranty, RenoDuck provides a full structural integrity warranty. Because we manage the waterproofing, structure, and plumbing as one system, we take full accountability for its performance.
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Comparison: Standard Contractor vs. RenoDuck

FeatureRenoDuck Integrated ServiceStandard Contractor
Primary FocusThe Finished Living SpaceDigging and Concrete
PlumbingPrecision layout based on floor planBasic “guessed” locations
MechanicalsFully relocated and loweredLeft for “the next guy”
PermitsGuaranteed closure & complianceOften left open
Future RenovationReady for framing immediatelyRequires costly rework
9x Award Winning
Basement Underpinning & Renovator in Toronto
Best of HomeStars 2025

Cost of Basement Underpinning in Toronto (2026)

Underpinning is a significant investment. Prices vary based on the depth of the dig and the condition of the soil.

Service TypeEstimated Cost (per linear ft)Total Project Estimate (800-1000 sq ft)
Basic Underpinning$450 – $600$55,000 – $85,000
Full Integrated Solution$650 – $900+$90,000 – $130,000+

Note: Integrated solutions include plumbing rough-ins, advanced waterproofing, and mechanical relocation which saves $20k+ during the renovation phase.

Client Reviews: Basement Underpinning and Renovation

  • Choosing RenoDuck for our reno was the best decision we made. Their design was intuitive and innovative, they managed to maximize our space beyond our expectations. The final result is perfect.
    Luke M.
  • I’m delighted with RenoDuck renovations! Their exceptional workmanship, attention to detail, and professional approach exceeded my expectations. My space now feels stunning and functional. Highly recommended
    Kevin Cooper
  • Well, from the planning phase to the final walk-through, RenoDuck’s dedication to our kitchen renovation project was remarkable. Their professionalism and commitment to delivering a high-quality end product resulted in a stunning basement. Would recommend!
    Emily Costa
  • This was one of the best experiences by far. Reno duck is very professional, efficient and high quality performance company. My basement was started on time and finished ahead of schedule! Great communication was a big part of this whole project. Everything was done with great precision and accuracy. I highly recommend Reno Duck.
    Julia Ranitsky
  • I HIGHLY recommend! I can’t say enough how much I loved working with this company. Skilled, professional, helpful, courteous, and so much more. If they had recommendations or suggestions, we discussed them in-depth before they continued. Each member of their team was highly skilled in their area, not a “one guy does everything” approach to the job. Everyone was kind and helpful. It was a pleasure!
    Jennifer, Hamilton
  • RenoDuck is a remarkable basement renovation company. Their expertise, craftsmanship, and professionalism shine through in every detail. They delivered our dream basement on time and within budget. Highly recommended for any basement project.
    Marla Clayton
  • I thought I had left a review, but either the Homestars website changed and deleted it, or I forgot and didn’t do it. Regardless, highly recommend RenoDuck. We had a big washroom project and a basement entrance last year. RenoDuck was very thorough and most importantly responsive to any issues that arose. Highly recommend them and would definitely hire again if we need to do another project.
    Jaime, Etobicoke
  • We recently completed a main floor renovation which included the kitchen, stairs, powder room and removing a wall. Since we’ve never done such a big project on this scale before we did some research and received multiple quotes before deciding on RenoDuck based on their reviews and overall customer experience. Thank you for all the amazing hard work during this renovation. Everyone from the office staff to the guys carrying out the construction showed great professionalism and care. We are very pleased with the outcome and are extremely happy with how it all turned out!

    Stass and his team are skilled craftsman and great at what they do! We can’t thank you enough for transforming our space for the better. We recommend RenoDuck to anyone looking to tackle any home renovation! We can’t wait to work with you again!
    Raymond Nepomuceno
  • I am so happy with how my basement turned out after hiring RenoDuck for the renovation. They were professional, efficient and affordable. They listened to my ideas and gave me some great suggestions on how to make the most of the space. The result is a cozy and functional basement that I can use for entertainment, storage or even as an extra bedroom. I highly recommend RenoDuck to anyone who is looking for a reliable and experienced contractor for their basement renovation.
    Caleb Dubois
  • We recently renovated two bathrooms in our home — our upstairs bathroom and our master ensuite — and chose RenoDuck based on their online reviews. Since we’re not familiar with the renovation industry, we weren’t sure what to expect, but we were 100% thrilled with the entire process!

    The staff were incredible — we interacted with about 10–12 different people across various departments, and every single one of them was professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. They were precise with timelines, communicated clearly, and delivered exactly what they promised.

    Overall, we’re beyond happy with the results and would absolutely recommend RenoDuck to anyone looking for a turnkey renovation experience.
    Michelle D
  • Reno Duck and their team did an amazing job on our basement. We’re equally happy you guys stayed on schedule actually finished before the date you anticipated.  The workers were kind and polite,  very clean and respectful.  I will highly recommend reno duck to my friends and family for renovations. You guys are amazing.
    Debbie L
  • We had a few contractors for our legal basement and decided to hire RenoDuck for the project ..We made an absolutely right decision !! The job they did beautifully with exceptional quality of work and team !!  Customer service is amazing with all kinds of questions , super organized and neat , No Mess At All !! The team completed the project before the deadline with great quality of work !! Even though it was a little bit pricy , but no headaches or issues which can bring you a peace of mind .. highly recommended!!!
    Mi Koopmans

Can You Combine Underpinning With a Full Renovation?

Absolutely and you should. Combining these services with RenoDuck is the most cost-effective way to build. By streamlining the structural work and the finishing work under one project manager, you avoid “contractor finger-pointing,” reduce the total project timeline by months, and ensure the highest quality of fit and finish.

How to Choose the Right Underpinning Company

  1. Do you have WSIB and $5M+ Liability Insurance? (Crucial for structural work).
  2. Will you handle the permit from application to final closure?
  3. Are plumbing and mechanical relocations included in the quote?
  4. Can I see a portfolio of basements you underpinned AND finished?
  5. Does the contract include a detailed engineering schedule?

Conclusion: Should You Invest in Underpinning?

The Verdict: If you plan to stay in your home for more than 5 years and want a basement that feels like a true living space, underpinning is the best investment you can make.

  • Pros: Maximum height, 100% floor space, massive home value increase, permanent structural fix.
  • Cons: Higher upfront cost, significant construction duration.

Don’t just dig a hole. Build a foundation for the future with RenoDuck.

RenoDuck Basement Underpinning Process in Action

Basement Underpinning: What Homeowners Need to Know

Yes. Basement underpinning increases ceiling height, making your basement fully livable and compliant with building codes. This allows you to add legal bedrooms, rental units, home offices, or recreational spaces. When combined with a professional renovation, underpinning significantly improves functionality and can substantially increase your home’s resale value. Reno Duck plans underpinning and renovation together, ensuring the new space is both structurally sound and beautifully finished.

Underpinning reinforces and extends your existing foundation to allow for a deeper basement without removing the entire structure. Foundation replacement involves removing and rebuilding the foundation, which is far more invasive and costly.
Reno Duck evaluates your home carefully to determine whether underpinning is the safest and most efficient solution for your renovation goals.

Before starting, homeowners should ask:

  • Is underpinning or structural work required?
  • Are permits and engineering included?
  • How will moisture, drainage, and insulation be addressed?
  • Will one team manage both construction and finishing?
  • Is the contractor licensed, insured, and experienced?

Reno Duck provides a fully managed approach, answering these questions upfront and handling design, permits, structural work, and renovation under one coordinated plan.

Moisture, dampness, and musty odors are often caused by poor drainage, cracks, or outdated foundation systems. During underpinning, Reno Duck addresses these issues by integrating proper waterproofing, drainage upgrades, vapor barriers, and insulation. By planning structural and renovation work together, we create a dry, healthy, and odor-free basement environment.

Basement underpinning strengthens and lowers the foundation by extending it deeper, creating full-height usable space across the entire basement.
Benching (or basement lowering alternatives) leaves a concrete ledge around the perimeter, reducing usable floor space and limiting design options.
Reno Duck recommends underpinning when homeowners want maximum ceiling height, better layout flexibility, and long-term structural integrity.

Cheap or unlicensed work can lead to serious risks, including structural damage, failed inspections, moisture problems, unsafe living conditions, and costly repairs. Poor underpinning may also void insurance coverage and reduce property value. Reno Duck uses licensed professionals, engineers, and permits to ensure every project meets safety standards, building codes, and long-term durability.

Our Partners

If you are located in Toronto, we provide basement underpinning and renovation services together to strengthen your home’s foundation while safely increasing basement height and creating more functional living space.

Basement underpinning in Toronto involves specific permit requirements, engineering approvals, soil considerations, and inspection processes. RenoDuck’s specialists understand these local regulations and plan every project accordingly, helping reduce delays, risks, and unnecessary stress for homeowners while delivering a seamless underpinning and basement renovation experience.