Foundations, Waterproofing and Concrete
A dry, sound foundation under everything else you plan to do.
Foundations, Waterproofing and Concrete in Toronto and across Ontario
Water in the basement, cracked foundation walls and heaving steps are signs that something below grade needs attention. Fixing the cause protects every finished space above it.
We repair foundation cracks, waterproof basements from outside or inside, replace weeping tile, install sump pumps and backwater valves, underpin and lower basements, and rebuild concrete porches, steps and walkways. Structural work is designed by an engineer and permitted where required.
Harborline Sterling Construction Inc. is principal-led. One of our co-founders, Mansoor Alam Khan or Maqsood Mohammed, oversees every project, so decisions get made quickly and you always know who is accountable.
What foundations, waterproofing and concrete includes
Every project is different, but these are the parts of the work we take responsibility for.
Exterior waterproofing
Excavation to the footing, a membrane and drainage layer on the foundation wall, new weeping tile, and careful backfill and restoration.
Interior drainage systems
Interior weeping tile and a sump pump where exterior digging is impractical, with a backup option for power outages.
Crack repair
Injection and sealing of foundation cracks, with a structural review where cracks suggest movement.
Backwater valves and sump pumps
Devices that help protect your basement from sewer backups and groundwater, installed under permit where required. Several Ontario municipalities offer subsidies for them.
Underpinning and concrete
Underpinning or benching to lower a basement, and new concrete porches, steps, pads and walkways, engineered and permitted where required.
How the work runs
The same disciplined backbone we use on every project, adapted for this kind of work.
Diagnose
Inspection, moisture testing and a clear explanation of the cause.
Engineer and permit
Structural design and permits where needed.
Repair
Excavation, waterproofing, drainage or structural work, then restoration of landscaping and surfaces.
Verify
Testing, documentation and warranty details.
Often paired with foundations, waterproofing and concrete
Many home projects combine services. One contract can cover all of it.
Basement Finishing and Renovation
Finished basements, legal second units, bathrooms and waterproofing, built to code and permitted.
Learn moreDriveways, Walkways and Interlock
Asphalt, concrete and interlocking driveways, walkways, front steps and patios.
Learn moreRoofing, Siding, Windows and Doors
Roof replacement, siding, eavestroughs, windows and doors that keep the weather out.
Learn moreWhy choose us for foundations and waterproofing
From the first visit to the final walk-through, here is what you can count on.
One accountable team
One contract and one point of contact for design, permits, trades and inspections, so you are never left coordinating contractors yourself.
Principal-led
A founding principal oversees your project and is a phone call away, from the first visit to the final walk-through.
Licensed trades
Electrical work by licensed electrical contractors, gas work by TSSA-registered contractors and plumbing by licensed plumbers, with permits and inspections where required.
Other ways we can help
Many projects combine services. Ask us how they fit together for yours.
Also from Harborline Sterling
Related reading
BasementsAdding a Legal Basement Apartment in Ontario: What Homeowners Need to Know
Zoning, permits, fire safety and the steps that turn a basement into a legal second unit.
Read article
Home renovationPlanning a Home Renovation in Ontario: Permits, Contracts and Budgets
Permits, licensed trades, written contracts, holdback and budgets: what to sort out before your renovation starts.
Read articleFrequently asked questions
Is it better to waterproof from the inside or the outside?
Exterior waterproofing stops water at the wall and is usually the most complete fix, but it means digging around the house. Interior systems manage water that gets in and suit sites where digging is difficult. We recommend based on your home, not on what is easiest to sell.
Do I need a permit for a backwater valve?
In many municipalities, yes. In Toronto, for example, installing a backwater valve needs a permit. We handle it.
Are there subsidies for flood protection?
Several Ontario municipalities offer subsidies for backwater valves, sump pumps and related work. Programs and amounts change, so we check what is available for your address.
What is underpinning?
Underpinning extends the foundation deeper so a basement floor can be lowered. It is structural work that needs an engineer's design, a permit and careful sequencing.
Is a foundation crack serious?
Many hairline cracks are shrinkage cracks that only need sealing. Wide, growing or uneven cracks can signal movement and need a structural review. We will tell you which kind you have.
Protect your foundation and basement
Put one accountable team in charge: on schedule, on budget, with permits and inspections handled the whole way.
Start your project
Tell us what you are planning. We will set up a straightforward conversation about scope, budget and timeline, with no obligation.