STRUCTURAL WORK · INTERACTIVE

Underpinning, Waterproofing & Separate Entrances

Your home's foundation demands precision and expertise. Desire Basements handles every structural challenge — dig deeper for ceiling height, seal the foundation dry for life, and unlock legal-suite access with code-compliant egress.

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DESIRE ENGINEERING · SECTION A-A · INTERACTIVE

6'10"

▼ DRAG TO DIG — GAIN CEILING HEIGHT

Structural work that stands the test of time

Every project is engineered for permanence. We manage permits, inspections, and municipal compliance — so you can trust the work beneath your feet.

Underpinning & foundation repair

We stabilize and strengthen foundations using proven methods — with all permits and engineering reports handled end-to-end.

ENGINEERED & PERMITTED

Waterproofing & moisture control

Basement waterproofing protects your investment for decades — backed by our lifetime warranty and full municipal compliance.

LIFETIME WARRANTY

Separate entrances & egress windows

Legal basement apartments require proper egress. We ensure every entrance meets code and inspection standards.

CODE COMPLIANT

PERMITS · ENGINEERING REPORTS · INSPECTIONS — ALL HANDLED BY DESIRE

Desire Basements reviewing permit drawings with GTA homeowners

WE SIT ON YOUR SIDE OF THE TABLE

PERMITS & INSPECTIONS

Municipal approval, made simple

Structural work requires permits and inspections. We handle every step with municipalities across the GTA — so your project avoids delays and complications entirely.

ZERO PAPERWORK FOR YOU · EVERY MUNICIPALITY IN THE GTA

Drawings & engineeringStamped drawings and structural reports, prepared by us.

Permit filed by usSubmitted and tracked — you never stand in line.

Staged inspectionsFraming, electrical, plumbing — booked and passed as we build.

Final sign-offPermit closed, fully documented — protecting resale value.

PERMIT APPROVED ✓

THE DESIRE GUARANTEES

Built on trust, backed in writing

10+

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

A decade of basement renovations across the Greater Toronto Area — owner-led on every single project.

Lifetime

WARRANTY COVERAGE

Every project, every material, every detail — warrantied for the life of the house. No expiry date.

$200/day

ON-TIME GUARANTEE

Your quote includes a written timeline. If we miss it, we pay you $200 for every late day.

STRUCTURAL QUESTIONS

Answers for GTA homeowners

How much does basement underpinning cost in the GTA?

Underpinning is priced per linear foot of foundation and depends on how much depth you're adding, soil conditions and engineering requirements — it's typically the largest single structural investment in a home. Every Desire quote starts with an engineering assessment and is itemized line by line and locked before you sign, with permits and inspections included.

Do I need a permit for a separate basement entrance?

Yes — a separate entrance involves excavation, structural alteration and egress requirements, so a building permit and inspections are mandatory in every GTA municipality. We prepare the engineered drawings, file the application and manage every inspection through final sign-off. See our permit guide for the full picture.

Can we live in the house during underpinning?

In many cases yes — underpinning is staged in sections, and upper floors usually remain livable. It depends on the scope and whether plumbing or HVAC is affected; we'll tell you honestly at the assessment if any phase makes moving out temporarily the smarter option.

Ready to strengthen your home

Get a free structural assessment from our engineers today.

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Municipal approval, made simple

Built on trust, backed in writing

Answers for GTA homeowners

Ready to strengthen your home

Underpinning for a rental unit? See the complete legal suite build.