Professional Service

Concrete Cutting & Wall Openings Toronto & GTA

Precision door and window cutouts in foundation walls. Diamond-blade sawing, structural lintels, and full permit handling — clean, fast, engineered.

$2,800-$15,000 1-2 days Engineering Included

Get Free Inspection Emergency: 437-545-0067

25-Year Warranty

Trusted Since 1999

BBB A+ Rated

$5M Insurance

WSIB Compliant

HomeStars Verified

Concrete cutting for wall openings in Toronto costs $2,000–$8,000 per opening including engineering, lintel installation, and finishing — essential for basement walkouts, windows, and doorways.

Common Projects

What We Cut

Door and window openings for every basement renovation

door_front

NEW BASEMENT DOOR

Add a separate entrance for a basement apartment or side access. Most popular for second units under O.Reg 384/22.

$3,500 - $6,000

window

EGRESS WINDOW ENLARGEMENT

Enlarge existing small window to code-compliant egress size for legal bedrooms.

$2,500 - $4,500

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add_box

NEW WINDOW OPENING

Cut a brand-new window where there wasn't one. Adds light, ventilation, and value.

$3,000 - $5,500

garage

GARAGE-TO-BASEMENT DOORWAY

Connect your attached garage to the basement. Very common renovation.

$3,500 - $6,500

meeting_room

INTERIOR WALL OPENING

Cut through concrete or block interior walls for open concept or pass-throughs.

$2,000 - $4,000

stairs

WALKOUT DOOR CONVERSION

Cut full-height door opening in foundation wall for walk-out access.

$8,000 - $15,000

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hvac

HVAC / UTILITY PENETRATIONS

Precise circular or rectangular cuts for ducts, pipes, vents, dryer exhausts.

$300 - $800 per hole

foundation

WINDOW WELL ACCESS

Cut and enlarge for larger window wells to meet egress requirements.

$2,500 - $5,000

Our Methods

How We Cut Concrete

Precision cutting techniques for every situation

Diamond Blade Wall Sawing

Primary method for door and window openings. Hydraulic or electric wall saw with diamond-tipped blade cuts clean, straight lines through concrete up to 24" thick.

Best For

Large rectangular openings (doors, windows)

check_circle Minimal vibration — won't damage surrounding structure
check_circle Water-cooled blade controls dust
check_circle Cuts through rebar cleanly
check_circle Precise within 1/8" tolerance

Diamond Core Drilling

Circular cuts for pipes, vents, utility penetrations. Sizes from 1" to 18" diameter with precise placement within 1/4" of target.

Best For

HVAC ducts, plumbing, electrical conduit, dryer vents

check_circle Clean circular holes
check_circle No cracking or chipping
check_circle Water-cooled operation
check_circle Accurate placement

Controlled Demolition (Breaker)

Used only when precision isn't critical (interior block walls, rough openings). Electric breaker — NOT a sledgehammer. Combined with diamond cutting for clean edges.

Best For

Removing entire wall sections, block wall removal

check_circle Faster for large sections
check_circle Cost-effective for rough work
check_circle Combined with precision cutting
check_circle Interior walls only

Structural Safety

The Engineering Behind Every Cut

Why this isn't DIY

Every Foundation Wall is Structural

It Holds Up Your House

Foundation walls carry vertical loads from above (floor joists, walls, roof)

Cutting Removes Load-Bearing Material

Must be replaced with a steel or concrete lintel

Below-Grade Walls Resist Soil Pressure

Lateral forces from outside soil push against foundation

Engineering Accounts for BOTH Loads

Vertical weight + horizontal soil pressure

DrySpace Engineering Process

engineering

P.Eng Structural Drawings

Professional Engineer designs every opening

calculate

Load Calculations

Wall thickness, load above, opening width, soil pressure

square_foot

Lintel Design

Steel angle, C-channel, or W-beam specification

foundation

Bearing Requirements

Minimum 8\" bearing on each side (more for wider openings)

warning

Undersized or missing lintels = wall failure, cracking, or collapse over time

8-Step Process

Our Concrete Cutting Process

Site Assessment (Free)

Identify wall type (poured concrete, block, stone). Measure wall thickness (typically 8-10" residential). Locate rebar pattern and utilities (electrical, plumbing, gas). Assess exterior conditions (grade level, drainage, window wells). Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scan if needed to find rebar/utilities.

Structural Engineering

P.Eng designs lintel size and bearing requirements. Calculates vertical load (from above) and lateral load (soil pressure). Specifies steel angle, C-channel, or W-beam lintel. Determines bearing pad requirements at each side of opening. Engineering drawings for permit submission.

Permit Application

Building permit required for any structural opening. DrySpace handles full application. Some municipalities also require a plumbing permit if cutting near drains.

Preparation (Day 1 morning)

Protect floors, walls, and belongings with poly sheeting. Set up dust containment barriers (negative air pressure if occupied). Mark cut lines precisely with laser level. Verify utility locations with live scanning.

Cutting (Day 1)

Diamond blade wall saw creates clean cuts. Water-cooled blade suppresses dust. Cuts made in sequence to maintain wall stability. Concrete sections removed in manageable pieces (not one giant slab). Typical door opening: 3-4 hours. Window: 2-3 hours.

Lintel Installation (Day 1-2)

Steel lintel set into prepared bearing pockets above opening. Grouted/mortared into wall with bearing plates. Minimum 8" bearing on each side of opening (more for wider openings). Lintel carries the load that the removed concrete used to carry.

Finishing (Day 2)

Frame opening for door or window installation. Waterproof exterior side with membrane and flashing. Install door/window unit (or leave prepped for your contractor). Patch and seal any exterior gaps. Install window well if below grade.

Inspection & Cleanup

Municipal inspector verifies structural work. Remove all dust containment and protection. Haul away concrete debris (included in price). 25-year warranty on structural work and waterproofing.

Transparent Pricing

Concrete Cutting Costs in the GTA

All-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees

Opening Type	Cost Range	Includes
Door opening in poured concrete (standard 36"x80")	$3,500 - $6,000	Cutting, lintel, engineering, permit, debris removal
Door opening in block wall	$2,800 - $5,000	Cutting, lintel, engineering, permit, debris removal
Window enlargement (existing to egress)	$2,500 - $4,500	Cutting, lintel, debris, prep for window install
New window opening (no existing)	$3,000 - $5,500	Cutting, lintel, engineering, permit, debris
Garage-to-basement doorway	$3,500 - $6,500	Often requires fire-rated door + frame
Interior concrete wall opening	$2,000 - $4,000	Simpler — no exterior waterproofing needed
Utility penetration (core drill)	$300 - $800 per hole	Size dependent (4"-12" typical)
Full walkout conversion	$8,000 - $15,000	Large opening + retaining walls + drainage
Engineering drawings	$1,000 - $2,500	P.Eng stamped structural drawings
Building permit	$400 - $800	Municipality dependent

What Affects the Price?

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Wall material: poured concrete costs more to cut than block

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Wall thickness: 10" wall = more blade time than 8"

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Rebar density: heavily reinforced walls slow cutting significantly

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Access: exterior excavation needed for below-grade openings

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Location: interior walls simpler than exterior foundation walls

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Finishing level: rough opening only vs. complete door/window install

Wall Types

Poured Concrete vs. Block vs. Stone Walls

Different foundation materials require different cutting approaches

Factor	Poured Concrete	Concrete Block (CMU)	Stone/Rubble
Cutting method	Diamond wall saw	Saw + controlled demo	Careful demolition
Lintel type	Steel angle or C-channel	Steel lintel in bond beam	Custom steel frame
Difficulty	Standard	Moderate	High
Dust level	Moderate (water-cooled)	Higher (hollow blocks)	Highest
Cost multiplier	1.0x (baseline)	0.8-0.9x	1.3-1.5x
Common in	Homes built 1970s+	Homes built 1950s-1980s	Pre-1950s homes
Rebar?	Yes (must cut through)	Vertical rebar in cells	None (masonry mortar)

info Can't tell what type of foundation you have? We'll identify it during the free assessment.

The DrySpace Difference

Why DrySpace for Concrete Cutting

Experience, expertise, and peace of mind

verified

Waterproofing expertise

We seal every exterior opening properly. Window/door installers often skip this → leaks within a year.

verified

Structural engineering in-house

P.Eng designs every lintel. No guessing.

verified

Dust control

Negative air, water-cooled blades, poly containment. Your home stays livable.

verified

Permit handling

Full permit application and inspection coordination included.

verified

One contractor

Cutting + lintel + waterproofing + window/door install. No juggling trades.

verified

Debris hauled away

Concrete removal and disposal included in every quote.

Package Deals

Common Service Combinations

Save when bundling multiple services

Cutout + Egress Window

Most popular. Cut opening + install code-compliant window + window well.

$5,000 - $8,000

Learn More arrow_forward

Cutout + Second Unit Entrance

Separate door for basement apartment under O.Reg 384/22.

$6,000 - $10,000

Learn More arrow_forward

Cutout + Underpinning

Opening up walls while lowering the floor for ceiling height.

$15,000 - $30,000

Learn More arrow_forward

Cutout + Beam Installation

Remove interior load-bearing wall + cut exterior opening.

$8,000 - $15,000

Learn More arrow_forward

Multiple Openings Package

Discount for 2+ openings in same project. Save 15-20%.

Custom quote

Included in full quote

GTA Coverage

Concrete Cutting Service Areas

Professional concrete cutting across the Greater Toronto Area

Toronto

Scarborough

Etobicoke

North York

Mississauga

Brampton

Vaughan

Markham

Oakville

Burlington

Richmond Hill

Ajax

Pickering

Oshawa

NEED IT DONE FAST?

Emergency concrete cutting available for urgent renovations

437-545-0067 - URGENT CUTTING

Completed Projects

Real waterproofing solutions for Greater Toronto Area homes

NORTH YORK BASEMENT WATERPROOFING

NOVEMBER 2024 5 DAYS

BEFORE

AFTER

DRAG

Problem Identified

Severe water infiltration and mold growth

Solution Implemented

Complete exterior waterproofing with French drain

Project Cost

$12,500

Get Quote

SCARBOROUGH FOUNDATION REPAIR

OCTOBER 2024 3 DAYS

BEFORE

AFTER

DRAG

Problem Identified

Foundation cracks and basement flooding

Solution Implemented

Crack injection and interior waterproofing system

Project Cost

$8,200

Get Quote

MISSISSAUGA EMERGENCY WATER REMOVAL

SEPTEMBER 2024 24 HOURS + 4 DAYS

BEFORE

AFTER

DRAG

Problem Identified

Flooded basement after heavy rainfall

Solution Implemented

Emergency pumping and waterproofing installation

Project Cost

$15,000

Get Quote

Have a Similar Problem?

Get your free inspection and professional quote today

Schedule Free Inspection Call: 437-545-0067

Why Choose Dryspace

Compare our services to other waterproofing contractors

Service Features	DRYSPACE RECOMMENDED	Other Companies
Lifetime Transferable Warranty	YES	Limited
24/7 Emergency Response	YES	NO
Free Detailed Inspection	YES	YES
Price Match Guarantee	YES	NO
Insurance Claim Assistance	YES	Extra Fee
Licensed & Insured	YES	YES
Response Time	< 60 MIN	2-4 hours
Years in Business	25+ YEARS	Varies
Financing Options	YES	Limited
Follow-up Service	YES	NO

Lifetime Protection

Our warranty transfers to new homeowners, protecting your investment

Rapid Response

Emergency team on standby 24/7 with less than 60 minute response time

5-Star Service

Delivering 5-star service since 1999

Guaranteed Work

We stand behind our work with comprehensive guarantees

Our Promise to You

We protect homes and families with transparent pricing, expert technicians, and a commitment to excellence. Your basement stays dry for life - guaranteed.

Testimonials

Customer Reviews

Verified testimonials from Greater Toronto Area homeowners

Google Verified

GTA Homeowners

Emergency Waterproofing

Verified

"After spring flooding, Dryspace responded within 2 hours. Their team was professional, thorough, and the 25-year warranty gives us peace of mind."

Sarah Chen

Toronto November 2024

Exterior Waterproofing

Verified

"They helped us get the maximum government rebate and handled all the paperwork. Saved us over $3,400 on our exterior waterproofing project!"

Michael Rodriguez

Mississauga October 2024

Foundation Repair

Verified

"Professional from start to finish. The crew was respectful of our property, cleaned up daily, and finished on schedule. Highly recommend!"

Jennifer Park

Vaughan October 2024

Sump Pump Installation

Verified

"Our basement has been dry for 3 years now. The sump pump system they installed works flawlessly, even during heavy storms."

David Thompson

Markham September 2024

Interior Waterproofing

Verified

"Best decision we made for our home. The interior waterproofing solution was less invasive than expected and works perfectly."

Lisa Anderson

Brampton September 2024

Foundation Crack Repair

Verified

"Fair pricing, excellent communication, and quality work. They fixed foundation cracks that two other companies said needed major work."

Robert Kim

North York August 2024

Get Free Inspection Read More Reviews

Technical Drawings & CAD Details

Professional construction details for contractors and engineers

4 AutoCAD Files

2 PDF Documents

2 SketchUp Models

DWG

FOUNDATION SYSTEMS

EXTERIOR WATERPROOFING DETAIL

Complete exterior membrane application with drainage board

Includes:

• Foundation wall detail
• Membrane application layers
• Drainage board installation
• Gravel bed specifications

Download DWG (2.4 MB)

DWG

DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS

INTERIOR DRAINAGE SYSTEM

Weeping tile and sump pump configuration

Includes:

• Weeping tile placement
• Sump pit dimensions
• Discharge piping layout
• Backfill requirements

Download DWG (1.8 MB)

PDF

REPAIR METHODS

FOUNDATION CRACK REPAIR

Injection repair methodology and specifications

Includes:

• Crack preparation steps
• Injection port spacing
• Material specifications
• Quality control checklist

Download PDF (856 KB)

SKP

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

SUMP PUMP INSTALLATION

3D model of complete sump pump system

Includes:

• 3D sump pit model
• Pump placement options
• Battery backup configuration
• Discharge line routing

Download SKP (3.2 MB)

DWG

DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS

FRENCH DRAIN ASSEMBLY

French drain installation with grading details

Includes:

• Trench dimensions
• Pipe specifications
• Filter fabric placement
• Grading requirements

Download DWG (1.5 MB)

PDF

PLUMBING SYSTEMS

BACKWATER VALVE DETAIL

City-compliant backwater valve installation

Includes:

• Valve placement requirements
• Access box specifications
• Permit requirements
• Inspection checklist

Download PDF (1.1 MB)

SKP

DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS

WINDOW WELL DRAINAGE

3D window well with drainage system

Includes:

• Well dimensions guide
• Drainage pipe connection
• Gravel bed depth
• Cover specifications

Download SKP (2.7 MB)

DWG

STRUCTURAL DETAILS

FOUNDATION WALL SECTIONS

Comprehensive foundation wall construction details

Includes:

• Concrete specifications
• Rebar placement
• Waterproofing layers
• Insulation options

Download DWG (4.1 MB)

Usage Rights

• Free for commercial and residential projects

• Modify as needed for specific applications

• Include in project submissions and permits

• Share with team members and subcontractors

Technical Support

Engineering Department

Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Email: p.vysotckii@gmail.com

Phone: 437-545-0067 ext. 200

Need Custom Drawings?

Our engineering team can create project-specific details and specifications

Request Custom CAD Details Call Engineering: 437-545-0067

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about concrete cutting

Can you cut through a foundation wall without it collapsing? expand_more

Yes, with proper engineering and temporary shoring. Every opening gets a steel lintel designed by a P.Eng to carry the load that the concrete used to carry. We've cut thousands of openings safely. The lintel is installed immediately after cutting and before removing the concrete section. This maintains structural integrity throughout the process.

How much dust will there be? expand_more

We use water-cooled diamond blades and full dust containment. Expect some fine dust despite precautions, but nothing like dry cutting or breaking. We seal the work area with poly sheeting and negative air pressure. After the job, we clean thoroughly with HEPA vacuums. Most clients continue living in the home during installation.

Do I need a permit to cut a door in my basement wall? expand_more

Yes. Any opening in a foundation wall is structural work requiring a building permit and engineered drawings. Working without a permit can mean fines, forced closure, insurance issues, and problems when you sell the home. DrySpace handles all permit applications and engineering as part of our service — this is included in our pricing.

Can I cut an opening in a wall with rebar? expand_more

Yes. Diamond blades cut through rebar. It slows the process and adds some cost, but it's standard. We scan walls first with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to map rebar location and density. This helps us plan the cutting sequence and estimate timing accurately. Cutting through rebar requires specialized diamond blade segments and more frequent blade changes.

How long before I can install the door or window? expand_more

The opening is ready immediately after the lintel is installed and inspected. You can install the door/window unit same day or have your finishing contractor do it later. The lintel provides full structural support as soon as it's grouted in place. Most homeowners wait for the building inspector sign-off before proceeding with final finishes.

What happens to the concrete you remove? expand_more

We cut it into manageable sections, carry it out, and haul it to a recycling facility. Concrete disposal is included in our pricing — no surprise fees. A typical door opening generates about 800-1,200 lbs of concrete debris. We protect your floors with plywood and carpet runners during removal. Most concrete is crushed and recycled as aggregate for new construction.