Thinking about underpinning? What GTA homeowners should know before digging down

If you’re a GTA homeowner thinking about lowering your basement floor to gain full-height space, there’s a lot to consider before you start digging. Underpinning is no small job—it’s a significant investment that involves permits, engineering, and waterproofing, and typically takes between 4 to 8 weeks. Open communication with your neighbours is important too, given the scale of the work. Over the years, I’ve helped many clients weigh the pros and cons of major renovations like this, and I always stress the importance of understanding what’s involved before moving forward. Creating more usable space at home can be a great decision, but making sure you’re fully informed will help ensure it’s the right one for you and your family.