Bench Footing Construction for Basement Lowering in Toronto
Aquaboss installs bench footing systems that meet Ontario Building Code standards.
Services
Aquaboss installs bench footing systems that meet Ontario Building Code standards.
Aquaboss installs bench footing systems that meet Ontario Building Code standards.
Bench footing is a non-invasive construction method used to increase basement height without the need for full underpinning. It involves creating a concrete ledge—called a bench—along the interior foundation wall. This structure supports vertical loads while allowing the basement floor to be lowered.
Each project is tailored to the structure of your home, your renovation timeline, and your available budget.
Unlike underpinning, bench footing preserves the existing foundation and creates room for finished basements, legal suites, or added headroom. Our licensed structural team manages every phase of the installation to ensure durability and full code compliance.
Bench footing is a concrete support structure built inside the basement perimeter. It allows the basement floor to be lowered without disturbing the home’s original foundation. The system forms an L-shaped ledge along the interior wall that absorbs and distributes structural loads.
This method is commonly used when:
Bench footing is compatible with many Toronto homes and offers a safe way to increase ceiling height while minimizing construction risk. It is especially effective in waterproofed basements, where preserving wall integrity during excavation is essential.
Aquaboss assesses each project to confirm if bench footing is a viable option. Every design meets Ontario Building Code and is aligned with the home’s waterproofing and drainage requirements.
Every phase is performed with attention to moisture control, ensuring long-term compatibility with basement waterproofing systems already in place or planned.
Aquaboss follows a strict, code-compliant process to ensure every bench footing system is structurally sound, moisture-resistant, and ready for basement finishing or rental conversion. Bench footing construction is performed inside the basement perimeter, meaning no disruption to exterior soil or neighboring properties.
%20(1).svg)
A licensed engineer inspects your foundation type, soil conditions, and project goals. Aquaboss prepares permit applications and designs a custom bench layout based on Ontario Building Code.
Our crew excavates the interior basement floor to the specified new depth. This process protects the existing foundation wall and maintains any waterproofing membranes already in place.
We construct formwork along the foundation wall to define the bench shape. Steel rebar is installed in a structural grid to handle lateral loads. If needed, we add drainage ports compatible with the existing waterproofing system.
We pour the bench footing using high-strength concrete reinforced with steel rebar. This structure cures in place to handle lateral earth pressure and ensure long-term basement stability.
We pour the new basement floor slab around the bench to match the lowered elevation. The slab is integrated with drainage pipes, vapor barriers, and sump discharge connections where applicable.
A municipal inspector reviews the completed bench system to ensure it meets building code requirements. Once approved, we smooth the surface so it’s ready for framing, drywall, or cabinetry installation.
Bench footing is ideal when structural, legal, or financial factors make traditional underpinning impractical. It allows homeowners to lower the basement floor without disturbing the foundation’s structural bearing, which makes it faster, safer, and often more cost-effective.
Situations where bench footing is the better choice include:
Aquaboss helps homeowners make informed decisions by comparing soil depth, foundation type, and building goals. Bench systems are especially useful for unfinished or partially finished basements being converted into livable spaces without the extended permitting and cost of underpinning.
Choosing the right contractor for a bench footing project is essential to ensure structural integrity, legal compliance, and seamless renovation progress. AquaBoss specializes in engineered bench footing systems for basement lowering that meet Ontario Building Code requirements and withstand long-term structural loads.
Every client is supported by an in-house structural engineer and a licensed construction crew, ensuring both technical precision and accountability throughout the project. From permit submission to inspection scheduling and final construction, the entire process is handled by one qualified provider — reducing coordination delays and approval risks.
.png)
Complete project handling – We manage everything from structural planning and permits to excavation and concrete pour, streamlining your renovation timeline.
In-house engineering – Every project is reviewed and signed off by a certified structural engineer who understands the intricacies of OBC 9.15 and basement safety.
Code-compliant execution – Our teams follow all required specs for bench width, rebar placement, and clearance to ensure your basement meets legal standards.
Moisture-aware construction – As a leading basement waterproofing company in Toronto, we integrate proper drainage slopes, membrane compatibility, and vapor barrier protections as part of the build.
Local inspections passed – Our projects are routinely approved by Toronto municipal inspectors, often on first inspection, due to meticulous preparation and execution.
Aquaboss is trusted by homeowners, designers, and basement finishing specialists across the GTA for delivering bench footing systems that are not just structurally safe — but ready for final occupancy.
Get Free Estimate
Bench footing systems are fully recognized under the Ontario Building Code (OBC) as a safe and effective method for basement height extension, provided they meet specific design and construction criteria. Aquaboss ensures every project is compliant from start to finish.
We don’t cut corners — every bench system is built to match or exceed municipal standards, ensuring your basement renovation is safe, legal, and future-proof.
Key compliance elements include:
Minimum ceiling height: To be legally finished or rented, the new basement must meet 6'11" (2.1 meters) of clearance from the new floor to the ceiling. Bench footing allows for this while retaining structural support.
Proper lateral support: The bench ledge must be reinforced and designed to transfer loads from the original foundation wall without shifting or cracking.
Drainage integration: Floor systems must incorporate proper slope and vapor barriers, especially in homes where waterproofing is a concern.
Permit requirements: Excavation, concrete work, and structural modifications all require a building permit in Toronto. Aquaboss handles the entire permitting process and coordinates with city inspectors.
Bench footing offers a range of structural and practical benefits for homeowners in Toronto who want to gain ceiling height without disrupting the original foundation. It’s a strategic solution for increasing space while reducing excavation risk, time, and cost.
Faster completion: Bench systems typically require less excavation and fewer inspections than underpinning. Most projects can be completed in significantly less time.
Lower cost: Bench construction requires less labor and simpler formwork than underpinning. This makes it a cost-effective option, particularly for unfinished or partially finished basements.
Non-invasive process: Bench footing is a non-invasive process that avoids digging below foundation footings or near property lines. Excavation occurs only inside the basement, and the original foundation remains untouched.
Waterproofing compatibility: Because the bench is formed above existing waterproofed footings or membranes, it reduces the risk of damaging existing moisture protection layers.
Versatile finishing: The concrete bench can be integrated into future basement layouts. It may function as a built-in storage platform or be hidden behind finished framing and drywall.
Aquaboss recommends bench footing in basement renovations where time, cost, or site constraints make full underpinning undesirable — while still delivering long-term structural integrity.
Bench footing in Toronto typically costs $350 to $550 per linear foot, depending on the foundation depth, soil conditions, and access for excavation. For a full basement underpinning using the bench method, total project costs usually range from $15,000 to $35,000, with variations based on structural complexity and waterproofing integration.
At AquaBoss, we assess your property’s structural layout, soil load, and waterproofing needs to provide a fixed-price quote before any work begins. Our pricing includes:
Aquaboss offers free, no-obligation site consultations to assess whether bench footing is right for your basement. Our structural expert will:
Whether you’re preparing for a basement apartment, legal conversion, or simply need more headroom, our team ensures your project is done right from the ground up.
Book your free structural consultation today and start your basement upgrade with confidence.
.png)
Yes. Bench footing is an Ontario Building Code–compliant method and is accepted by all Toronto building departments, provided it meets clearance, reinforcement, and permit requirements.
Yes. Any change to the basement’s structural elevation or load-bearing components requires a building permit. Aquaboss manages the entire permit application and inspection process.
Most bench footing projects are completed in 5 to 10 working days, depending on excavation volume and curing conditions. Faster than underpinning, with fewer inspection stages.
The bench creates a concrete ledge along the basement wall, usually 12 to 18 inches wide. This ledge may reduce usable floor space or affect framing layout, but it can also be incorporated into storage units, seating, or built-in furniture.
Absolutely. Bench footing meets all structural standards for finishing and occupancy. When designed to OBC clearance, it’s suitable for legal basement apartments or secondary suites.
Locations
Basement waterproofing Oshawa
Basement waterproofing Orillia
Basement waterproofing Brampton
Basement waterproofing North York
Basement waterproofing Richmond Hill
Basement waterproofing Scarborough
Basement waterproofing Brantford
Basement waterproofing Cambridge
Basement waterproofing Markham
made by Agiler Group
.png)