Bench Footing vs. Underpinning: Which Option Is Right for Your Basement Renovation?

In Toronto’s competitive real estate market, maximizing your home’s square footage isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. With property values continuing to climb across the Greater Toronto Area, many homeowners are looking downward, quite literally, to increase their living space through basement renovations.

For many Toronto homes, especially those built in the early to mid-20th century, basements often feature low ceiling heights that make the space uncomfortable or unusable. Basement lowering projects have become increasingly popular solutions, but homeowners face an important decision: should they choose bench footing or complete underpinning?

As Toronto’s leading commercial waterproofing and foundation specialists with over 30 years of experience, we at Nusite Group understand that making this decision requires thorough knowledge of both options. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about bench footing and underpinning to help you make an informed choice for your basement renovation project.

Understanding Basement Lowering: The Basics

Before diving into the specifics of bench footing and underpinning, it’s important to understand what basement lowering actually entails.

Basement lowering is the process of increasing the ceiling height in your basement by excavating the floor to create more headroom. This construction technique transforms previously cramped spaces with low ceilings into comfortable, fully functional living areas.

In Toronto’s older neighborhoods like Leslieville, Riverdale, East York, and High Park, many homes were built with basements that were primarily designed for storage, not living space. These basements typically have ceiling heights between 5 to 6.5 feet—well below the current Ontario Building Code requirement of 6.7 feet (2.1 meters) for habitable spaces.

There are two primary methods to achieve greater ceiling height:

Underpinning: A comprehensive method that involves excavating beneath the existing foundation to lower the basement floor while simultaneously reinforcing the foundation.
Bench Footing (also called bench foundation): A less invasive technique that creates a concrete “bench” or ledge around the perimeter of the basement while lowering only the central portion of the floor.

Each method comes with its own set of advantages, limitations, and costs that Toronto homeowners must consider.

Underpinning: The Complete Basement Transformation

What Is Underpinning?

Underpinning is a structural process that extends the existing foundation downward to allow for a deeper basement. This method involves excavating beneath your current foundation in carefully planned sections, pouring new concrete footings, and then extending the foundation walls downward to the new, lower level.

The Underpinning Process

The underpinning process typically follows these steps:

Engineering and Permits: A structural engineer designs the underpinning plan, and building permits are secured from the City of Toronto.
Sectional Excavation: The basement is excavated in alternating sections (typically 3-4 feet wide) to maintain structural integrity throughout the process.
Foundation Extension: New concrete is poured to extend the foundation downward in each section before moving on to the next.
Floor Installation: Once all sections are complete, a new concrete floor is poured, and waterproofing measures are implemented.
Finishing Work: Drainage systems, insulation, and other finishing elements are added.

Advantages of Underpinning

Maximum Ceiling Height: Provides the greatest possible increase in ceiling height, often allowing for 8-foot ceilings or higher.
Full Use of Space: Creates a complete, open basement with no obstructions around the perimeter.
Increased Home Value: A properly underpinned basement significantly increases your Toronto home’s market value.
Stronger Foundation: Often results in a stronger overall foundation than the original construction.
Better Waterproofing Opportunity: Allows for comprehensive exterior waterproofing during the renovation process.

Limitations of Underpinning

Higher Cost: Typically more expensive than bench footing due to the extensive labor and materials required.
Longer Timeline: Usually takes 6-10 weeks to complete, depending on the size of the basement.
More Intensive Permits: Requires more extensive engineering and municipal approvals in Toronto.
Potential Complications: Greater risk of complications if neighboring structures are close or soil conditions are challenging.

Bench Footing: The Compromise Solution

What Is Bench Footing?

Bench footing (sometimes called “benching”) involves lowering only the central portion of your basement floor while leaving the perimeter foundation untouched. Instead, a sloped concrete “bench” or ledge is created around the edges of the basement, extending from the original floor level to the new, lower central floor.

The Bench Footing Process

Planning and Permits: Although less extensive than underpinning, bench footing still requires proper planning and permits.
Central Excavation: Only the central portion of the basement is excavated, leaving the area directly underneath the foundation walls intact.
Bench Creation: A sloped concrete bench is formed around the perimeter, extending from the original foundation to the new lower floor.
New Floor Installation: A concrete floor is poured in the central area, and waterproofing measures are applied.
Finishing: As with underpinning, drainage systems and insulation are installed.

Advantages of Bench Footing

Lower Cost: Typically 30-40% less expensive than full underpinning.
Faster Completion: Projects can often be completed in 4-6 weeks.
Less Disruption: Reduced excavation means less dirt removal and disruption to your property.
Simpler Permits: Usually easier to obtain permits from the City of Toronto.
Lower Risk: Less risk of structural issues since the original foundation remains untouched.

Limitations of Bench Footing

Reduced Usable Space: The concrete benches around the perimeter take up 12-24 inches of floor space on each wall.
Design Limitations: The benches can complicate furniture placement and room layouts.
Height Restrictions: May not achieve as much ceiling height as underpinning.
Potential Water Issues: If not properly designed, the benches can create water management challenges.

Making the Right Choice for Your Toronto Home

When deciding between bench footing and underpinning for your basement renovation, consider these key factors:

Budget Considerations

In Toronto’s construction market, underpinning typically costs between $150-$200 per square foot, while bench footing ranges from $90-$120 per square foot. For a standard 1,000 square foot basement, this difference can amount to $50,000 or more.

Space Requirements

If maximizing every square foot is crucial (as it often is in Toronto’s valuable real estate market), underpinning provides the most usable space. However, if your basement is large enough that losing some perimeter space doesn’t significantly impact your plans, bench footing may be sufficient.

Timeline Constraints

If you need your basement completed quickly, bench footing’s shorter timeline may be advantageous, particularly if you’re living in the home during renovations.

Toronto Climate Considerations

Toronto’s freeze-thaw cycles and significant annual precipitation make proper waterproofing essential for any basement renovation. Both methods can incorporate waterproofing, but underpinning allows for more comprehensive exterior waterproofing solutions that may better protect against Toronto’s climate challenges.

Future Plans

Consider your long-term plans for the property. If you intend to sell within a few years, the higher investment in underpinning may provide better returns in Toronto’s competitive real estate market, where finished basements are highly valued.

Local Regulations and Requirements in Toronto

When planning a basement lowering project in Toronto, it’s essential to understand the local regulations:

Building Permits

All basement lowering projects in Toronto require building permits. The City of Toronto has specific requirements regarding structural changes to foundations, and working without proper permits can result in significant fines and complications when selling your property.

Minimum Height Requirements

The Ontario Building Code requires a minimum ceiling height of 6.7 feet (2.1 meters) for habitable basement spaces. Your renovation must meet or exceed this requirement to be legally compliant.

Engineering Reports

Both underpinning and bench footing projects require a structural engineer’s report and stamped drawings. In Toronto, these must be submitted with your permit application.

Waterproofing Standards

Given Toronto’s climate, the city has specific requirements for basement waterproofing, especially for newly excavated spaces. These include proper drainage systems, waterproof membranes, and in some cases, sump pump installations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does basement lowering take in Toronto?

Answer: Timelines vary based on the method chosen and the size of your basement. Typically, bench footing projects take 4-6 weeks, while underpinning projects require 6-10 weeks. These timelines can be affected by permit approval processes, which may add several weeks to the overall project duration.

Will basement lowering add value to my Toronto home?

Answer: Yes, professionally completed basement lowering projects typically add significant value to Toronto homes. With the city’s high real estate prices, adding functional living space through basement renovation can provide an excellent return on investment, often 70-90% of the project cost.

Can I live in my home during basement lowering?

Answer: While it’s possible to remain in your home during either type of basement renovation, many homeowners choose to relocate temporarily, especially during underpinning projects. The construction process creates dust, noise, and temporary utility disruptions that can make living conditions challenging. If you do stay, bench footing projects generally cause less disruption than underpinning.

How do I know if my home is suitable for basement lowering?

Answer: Not all homes are ideal candidates for basement lowering. Factors that affect suitability include soil conditions, the age and type of your existing foundation, proximity to neighboring structures, and the water table in your specific Toronto neighborhood. A professional assessment from a qualified foundation contractor like Nusite Group can determine whether your home is suitable for either bench footing or underpinning.

Making an Informed Decision

When considering a basement lowering project in Toronto, the choice between bench footing and underpinning should be based on your specific needs, budget, and long-term goals for your property. While bench footing offers a more affordable and less disruptive option, underpinning provides maximum space utilization and potentially greater long-term value.

At Nusite Group, we’ve helped thousands of Toronto homeowners transform their basements over our 30+ years in business. Our team of foundation specialists can provide expert guidance tailored to your specific situation, helping you navigate the decision-making process, permitting requirements, and construction phase with confidence.

Whether you choose bench footing or underpinning, a properly executed basement lowering project can dramatically improve your home’s functionality and value in Toronto’s competitive real estate market. Contact our team today for a free consultation to discuss which basement lowering method is right for your renovation project.