finished basements

What You Need To Know Before Digging Out Your Basement

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Digging out a basement (also known an Underpinning or Basement Lowering) can be an ideal way to add some room or additional living space to your home and can often be less expensive than adding room by going upward or outward, which usually requires special permits and lots of red tape.   The best option can be chosen after considering a few factors such as design, feasibility, function, and the cost.

Why Underpinning is Popular in Toronto

Underpinning is a popular option for homeowners in Toronto due to high real estate prices and the fact properties tend to be on smaller lots.  Who wants to give up precious yard space to an extension?

If you intend on adding a finished basement to your dwelling you’ll also need to consider the stability and safety precautions since they’re different underground when compared to other floors of the home. And you also have to ensure that your basement is fully waterproofed and damp free before finishing your basement.

Starting Basement Dig Out Process - Underpinning

If your home already has a basement with decent ceiling height, then digging it out will be relatively inexpensive compared to starting from scratch. Once you have to start digging down several feet or lift the home to add a basement the cost will generally be comparable to adding a ground-level addition to the home. In general, a basement needs about a seven to eight-foot ceiling along with footing drains and foundation walls. If you currently have a basement with the ceiling height lower than seven feet then a digging will usually need to be done

Concrete and dirt will need to be removed when digging a few feet down and the existing concrete footings will need new ones made below them. In addition, a new concrete slab floor will need to be poured. If the home just has crawl space or the existing foundation isn’t adequate enough, then the house may need to be lifted to pour the slab and foundation walls. You’ll be able to install some form of insulation under a new concrete slab to improve the energy efficiency of the area. The new slab will enable you to place radiant heat tubes in the concrete to help heat the basement. Radiant heat could also be used for the entire home if you choose and it could result in more ceiling height if the old ductwork is removed.

Basement is Dug Out of Toronto Home

An egress, which is basically an emergency exit, should also be created. The local building codes will determine exactly where and how big the egress should be. In many cases, a large window that has a low sill is adequate since people can climb out of it of needed. A door can also be used as an egress which means a new door will need to be installed if the house sits on a sloped lot or a concrete stairwell will need to be dug. The question of connecting to the sewer line also needs to be answered when digging out a basement. If you know how deep the line is you’ll know if the basement can be drained by gravity or if water will need to be pushed upwards with a pump.

walkout-basement-apartment-toronto

Another thing you need to consider is how much light will there be in your basement. If you’re using a window as an egress then the light will be fine in that specific area. But you may prefer adding more windows for additional light and/or a more open feeling in the room as well as glass exterior and/or interior doors. Homes with an existing basement will likely already have exterior or interior stairs for access to it. However, you typically have the option if relocating them if you choose as you may be able to free up some extra space by doing so.

Framing of Basement in Toronto After Being Dug Out

If digging out the basement sounds like the ideal way to add living space to your home, it’s imperative that the area is dry. Some basements have a history of flooding or being wet and damp and this would need to be resolved first. For instance, two inches of rain running off the roof of a 2,000 square-foot house can produce more than 2,000 gallons of water. To help solve flooding in a basement, it’s important there are no cracks in the foundation, the gutters aren’t clogged, and the ground doesn’t slope towards the home.

Finishing a walkout basement in Toronto

There are several solutions to a wet basement such as excavating around the home’s perimeter as well as installing drains along the inside of basement walls. For more information and advice on Underpinning your basement  please feel free to contact our team of foundation-repair professionals at Nusite Contractors for a free inspection and written estimate. Our work is fully certified, insured, and guaranteed as well as made to last.  We serve Toronto and the surrounding GTA.

Beware Of Dangers That Lurk In Your Basement

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Finished Basement Family Room Toronto

With the housing market boom going on in Toronto, homeowners are trying to make the most of the living space they have.  One of the biggest opportunities for additional living space is down in the basement.

Most basements in Toronto were not originally designed to be used as living space and can be dark, wet and cramped with the utilities that service the home.

Unfortunately, a home’s basement can often be a breeding ground for problems such as mold, radon, carbon monoxide from faulty HVACs, water-borne bacteria, and hazards caused by electrical wires being exposed to water. Most homeowners may be familiar with most of these problems, but radon could be something they aren’t too familiar with.

Below is a list of some common basement issues we come across, which should all be inspected before considering turning your basement into a living space.

Radon
Radon is basically a type of dangerous as which is caused by radiation. Radon is tasteless, colourless and odourless, making it hard to detect. It’s created by the decay of radioactive minerals or uranium which can be found in the earth’s crust. It’s harmless if it is able to disperse into the atmosphere, but creates a problem if there’s a home or some other type of structure in the way. In this case, the radon can enter a basement through the soil and will begin to accumulate. A cement basement floor will help fight it off as long as it doesn’t have any cracks and is nonporous and solid. But radon can enter through a drainage system or water sump hole and then rise through a home via the heating ducts.

Radon can also possibly be emitted through things such as fireplaces, stone foundations, wood, concrete, wallboard and even water supplies via deep wells. Radon gas is a health risk if breathed in since it can damage the lungs and cause cancer. This is the reason homeowners should have a radon-detection-kit in their house or have a professional contractor inspect the home. The kit consists of a charcoal-filled canister which positioned in the home’s lowest living level or basement and in a still area, away from windows and doors. After a specified period of time the test kit is delivered to the manufacturer and it will be evaluated for the results.

Radon levels in a home can be lowered via a variety of methods and costs. The method used will depend on the type of soil around the home, the design of the building and level of radon in the air. The best solution is to seal entrance points to keep radon out. This means caulking floor cracks, sealing drains, waterproofing basement floors and walls, covering up bare crawlspace floors and capping sump-pump holes. Basically, any type of method which is used to lower the level of moisture in a basement can be effective when trying to lower the levels of radon.

Mold, Mildew and Fungus
Most homeowners are aware of the damage that mold and fungus can do to a home as well as the health risks they present. Most molds aren’t toxic, but can produce mycotoxins which can cause health and respiratory problems if you’re exposed to them. Mold spores are often absorbed through the skin or inhaled while fungal infections can originate inside the lungs or on the skin. The elderly and infants are typically more susceptible to mold, mildew and fungus health risks. Some types of mold found in basements care more dangerous and toxic such as black molds and these can cause pulmonary hemosiderosis, which is a rare lung disease which causes internal bleeding.

Mold is typically caused by flooding, moisture or condensation in the basement along with high humidity and can often go unnoticed. It usually starts in the insulation, carpeting, piping, floor, vents, ducts, furniture, the ceiling, wallpaper, wood or drywall. If your basement has been flooded it’s recommended that you contact a professional waterproofing company to have it inspected. You may need to have any wet materials removed such as drywall. Moisture can also enter a basement through leaking pipes and cracks in the floor or walls. You may realize you have mold in the basement as it usually smells musty and stagnant. If you suspect you have mold, but can’t find a sign of it, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a waterproofing company.

Carbon Monoxide
Another odourless, tasteless, and colorless gas is carbon monoxide, and this can prove to be fatal if it gets into your home. This is why it’s imperative you have carbon monoxide alarms installed. In fact, in many areas of the world it’s the law. Carbon monoxide is a by-product of fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil, propane, and wood and is created in appliances such as stoves, furnaces, and gas fireplaces (electric fireplaces are a good alternative). It can cause flu-like symptoms, but be deadly if it escapes into your home while you’re sleeping. Make sure a carbon monoxide alarm isn’t placed next to a basement furnace.

The alarms should be located in the living areas and close to bedrooms since the gas travels through vents and ductwork. It’s important to have your gas appliances inspected regularly by a licensed HVAC company to make sure they aren’t faulty and leaking carbon monoxide. They need to be vented properly and unblocked. Chimneys and fireplaces also need to be free of any blockage so the air can escape. Also, don’t forget to test your alarms on a regular basis too.

Electrical Wiring
It’s important that all electrical wiring in the basement and anywhere else for that matter be protected from water. Electricity and water don’t mix and can result in fire and other damage. If your home has ever been flooded or subject to any type of water damage you should have all of the electrical wiring and equipment in those locations properly inspected. Any water-damaged wiring and/or equipment should be repaired or replaced immediately. One way to make sure you aren’t subject to any electrical damage is to have your basement properly waterproofed.

Nusite Group is a Toronto waterproofing and foundation repair company that has been serving Toronto for over 30 years.  We provide free, in-home inspections and estimates, schedule your today.

Home Renovation Projects That Add Value To Your Home

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Your home is most likely the biggest single investment you’ll make in your lifetime.  Your home is your sanctuary, the place where you relax on the weekend and where the kids can always call home.

Investing money to renovate your home is a great way to further invest in your biggest asset  Not only does it allow you to improve and customize your home the way you want, it also increases the value of this asset when the time comes to sell one day.

Since we’re basement contractors, of course we believe that renovating your basement is a great investment for a number of reasons.  First, it can create additional living space in your home without the need to add an extension and go through red tape permit hell.  Second, it gives you a number of options like creating a rental space or an in-law suite for aging parents.  You can also make it the perfect family room, complete with fireplace, large screen tv and sectional sofa for the perfect movie night.

There are hundreds of different types of renovations in and around the home, the graphic below has a good list of the different types of renovations you can consider.

Increased value of renovations in the home

As you can see, there are lots of different renovations you can do in your home.  Some improve the livability of the home, others are structural repairs and others are more cosmetic in nature.  Some improvements, like a new bathroom, kitchen or basement, tend to recoup most of the investment when it comes time to sell.  Even something simple like spending a few hundred on landscaping improvements can add thousands to the value of your home.  Getting a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) to pay for these renovations can be a great way to fund these renovations.

While can’t answer questions about every type of renovation, if you live in Toronto or the GTA and have a basement renovation questions, you can contact us here.  Thanks!

5 Benefits To Lowering Your Basement

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Have you ever dreamed about having a full height, finished basement you and your family can enjoy?  A large open space like a basement can create a wonderful family room, recreation room or even additional living space.  The process of basement lowering, also called underpinning, can turn that old and damp basement of your into a bright and livable space for your and your family.

Finishing a walkout basement in Toronto

There are many advantages to lowering your basement, ranging from stabilizing your home from structural problems, or simply expanding your living space. Taking the plunge can really change the way you live, and protect you from structural damage that may occur. Many of the older homes in Toronto were not meant to be used as living space, but the cost of real estate and scarcity of available land in Toronto has turned the basement into a viable option. Here we explore 5 reasons why you should lower your basement:

  1. The construction process will uncover the hidden mechanics of your home and make them easily accessible for inspection, upgrades, and repairs. It will make it easy to replace your old plumbing, electrical, and insulation systems, especially if you live in an older house, and help you to modernize your home. Your waterproofing systems will also be changed when you lower your basement, so you will have a brand new dry concrete floor. Over time, you will cash in on energy savings, mechanical savings, and safety of your home.
  2. Basement lowering is a necessity when your house’s foundation suffers structural problems and cannot adequately support the house due to extreme climates, soil types, or inexperienced workers causing damage to the structural integrity of your home. It will immediately stabilize your home, strengthen the house, and give you a peace of mind, not to mention increase your home’s value and equity to future purchasers for years to come.
  3. Lowering your basement will give you up to fifty percent more below-ground space, greatly expanding the available space in your home! Once upon a time, basements were only used for mechanics and storage, but the modern basement can be turned into absolutely any function you want it to be: an extra bedroom, a home office, a home theatre system, a rental suite, a room to entertain guests in- you name it! You gain much more usability of space without having to buy a new house.
  4. By lowering your basement, you can increase ceiling height and lighting. Traditional basements have the problem of low ceilings and may feel cramped, but the added headroom will make your basement a far more attractive space in your house, and open up the conversion possibilities of your basement suite. You can remove any unnecessary walls to get rid of unneeded rooms open it up as a larger space, or add any rooms to a big open space as you wish. The possibilities are endless.
  5. Basement lowering is the least expensive and disruptive way to add more space into your existing home, and give your house a refresh. This is particularly important for growing families who need the extra space without the purchase of a new home. Basement lowering will get rid of any moisture and leakage problems, help you add floor space, and can even help you construct a new entrance/walkway for added safety and convenience.

Whether you are simply intrigued by this beneficial construction process, or are in need of services immediately to help fix your home’s structural problems, basement lowering will enhance, strengthen, expand, improve, and add value to your home.

Have questions about turning your basement into a full height, livable area?  If you live in Toronto or the surrounding GTA, you can contact us here for a free in-home estimate and inspection.

Fix Your Foundation Cracks Before Finishing Your Basement

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Getting ready to finish your basement?  Better check for foundation cracks before putting up that drywall!

Any home repair project involves looking into the future—you can picture the finished product, say a carpeted basement with a TV set or maybe a bedroom for your teenage son.  Looking far ahead is great, but it’s important to switch focus, looking into the distant future but also into the immediate future.  The latter is where you’ll find some things you have to do to prepare.

If you plan to finish your basement, putting in a finishing wall and some sort of flooring, you have to make sure the foundation is in good condition first.  An approach similar to turning up the radio when your car is making a noise simply will not work—don’t carpet over floor cracks that could potentially leak water or put up walls over foundation wall cracks thinking that out of sight is out of mind.  You’ll be setting yourself far back by hiding increasing damage.

We repair hundreds of basement a year here in Toronto and some of the hardest, more so for the homeowner watching their drywall get stripped away, are basements that have already been finished.

First, The Symptoms

If you have spotted cracks in your foundation—or perhaps the water that has seeped in as a result—the first thing is to shore up the damage.  You may use caulking or other home-repair methods to take care of the crack itself.  Keep in mind, though, that sealing from the inside won’t be enough—in a minute we’ll discuss structural damage of which cracks are a symptom.  You will need to dig to access the outside of your basement wall or floor and seal from the outside—this is where an experienced waterproofing company comes in..

 

The Disease

It’s extremely important to realize that a crack in your basement is not some isolated event or happenstance.  It is a symptom of a larger disease.  There’s no way you can have a crack in your foundation without it being a sign of a larger problem.

 

Settled Foundation

Cracks are often caused by your foundation settling—or sinking—into the soil.  This is also referred to as floating, which means your foundation is actually moving around slightly with the soil, which is what causes cracking.  This might require piering of your foundation—definitely a job for a contractor—or might be remedied by adding rebar or fiber to the concrete to improve its strength.  The point is that merely filling a crack and then spending the money to finish your basement instead of fixing the settling does not make sense.  You have to fix the disease, not the symptom.

 

Drainage Problems

Horizontal cracks are likely caused by water drained from your roof.  The water from your downspouts may be directed too close to the ground surrounding your basement.  This pushes too much water into the ground, which then freezes.  In addition to fixing the actual cracks, then, consult an expert and make sure you have your gutters and downspouts working and aligned properly to not cause further cracking.

 

Bowed Foundation Walls

If the walls of your basement have been subjected to so much pressure that they are actually slightly caving in, or bowed, you have a larger problem.  This situation calls for a contractor to either do some piering referred to above or to use carbon fiber strips to properly support the wall.

 

Give your basement a good inspection before you start

The best thing you can do is thoroughly inspect your basement before a renovation.  If you have issues such as doors not closing properly, water seepage, or sloping floors, you almost certainly have a problem that must be fixed.  It will of course be extremely hard to fix an issue once you’ve finished the basement, so do yourself a huge favor and fix it first.

Have questions about cracks in your foundation?  Before you start your basement renovations, feel free to contact us for a free in-home inspection of your foundation.