Basement Renovation · Toronto
Turn Your Basement Into Your Best Room
500–1,200 sq ft of untapped potential is sitting under your home. We design and build basement spaces that your family will actually use — and that add real value to your property.
What We Build
What Could Your Basement Become?
Every basement is different. Here are the most common projects we build for Toronto homeowners.
Home Office
A quiet, dedicated workspace away from the main living areas — with proper lighting, outlets, and soundproofing.
Family Room
Open-plan entertainment space with durable flooring, a feature wall, and room for the whole family.
Guest Suite
A private bedroom and bathroom for visiting family — comfortable, well-lit, and properly ventilated.
Legal Rental Unit
A fully self-contained apartment with separate entrance, kitchen, and laundry — generating rental income.
Home Gym
Rubber flooring, mirrors, proper ventilation, and the space to actually use your equipment.
Kids' Playroom
A dedicated space for the kids to spread out — easy-clean surfaces, storage, and room to grow.
Full Scope
Everything Included
We handle every trade from framing to final paint. No subcontractor coordination, no gaps in accountability.
- Framing & structural work
- Insulation & vapour barrier
- Drywall & finishing
- Flooring (LVP, tile, carpet)
- Pot lights & electrical
- Egress windows & fire safety
- Bathroom rough-in & build
- Kitchenette or wet bar
- Separate entrance (where applicable)
- Permit application & inspections
Legal Secondary Suite
Build a Legal Basement Apartment
Toronto allows most detached and semi-detached homeowners to add a legal basement apartment. A permitted, code-compliant unit generates rental income, adds resale value, and protects you from liability. We handle the entire process — design, permits, build, and inspections.
$2,200–$3,200
Average monthly rent for a 1-bed basement in Toronto
3–5 yrs
Typical payback period on a legal suite build
+15–20%
Estimated increase in home resale value
How We Legalize Your Basement
Zoning Check
We confirm your property is eligible under Toronto's zoning bylaws — most detached and semi-detached homes qualify.
Design to Code
We design the unit to meet Ontario Building Code requirements: ceiling height, egress windows, fire separation, and ventilation.
Permit Application
We prepare and submit all permit documents to the City of Toronto on your behalf.
Build
Our crew handles framing, plumbing, electrical, insulation, drywall, kitchen, bathroom, and finishes.
Inspections
We coordinate all required City inspections throughout the build — framing, rough-in, and final.
Certificate of Occupancy
You receive a fully legal, permitted unit ready to rent — with all inspection certificates in hand.
Legal Suite FAQ
What makes a basement apartment legal in Toronto?
A legal basement apartment in Toronto must meet Ontario Building Code requirements: minimum 6'5" ceiling height, proper egress windows in every bedroom, fire separation between units, separate entrance, and a full kitchen and bathroom. It must also be permitted and inspected by the City.
Can I legalize an existing basement apartment?
Yes — if your basement already has a kitchen and bathroom but was never permitted, we can assess what upgrades are needed to bring it up to code and obtain the proper permits. This is often less expensive than a full build.
How much does it cost to legalize a basement apartment in Toronto?
Legalizing an existing unit typically runs $30,000–$60,000 depending on the scope of upgrades required. A full build of a new legal suite ranges from $80,000–$120,000+. We provide a fixed-price quote after your consultation.
How long does it take to get a permit for a basement apartment?
City of Toronto permit review typically takes 4–8 weeks. We submit complete, code-compliant drawings to minimize back-and-forth and get your permit as quickly as possible.
Will a legal basement apartment increase my property taxes?
Adding a legal secondary suite may result in a modest property tax reassessment. However, the rental income typically far outweighs any tax increase — and a legal unit adds significant resale value to your home.
How It Works
Our Process
Free Consultation
We assess your basement, discuss your goals, and flag any structural or moisture issues upfront.
Design & Quote
Full layout design and a fixed-price quote. You know exactly what you're getting before we start.
Permits
We handle all City of Toronto permit applications and schedule inspections.
Build
Our crew handles framing, mechanical, drywall, and finishes — one team, start to finish.
Handover
A thorough walkthrough and all inspection certificates before we hand over the keys.
Client Stories
What Our Clients Say
"We now have a home office and a guest suite where there used to be bare concrete. The whole process was seamless. I wish we had done it years ago."
Marcus T.
East York, Toronto
"Chiney built us a legal basement apartment. The rental income covers our mortgage increase. Best investment we've made in the house."
Sarah & Tom L.
North York, Toronto
Common Questions
FAQ
How much does basement finishing cost in Toronto?
A standard basement finish in Toronto typically runs $45,000–$75,000. A legal secondary suite with a separate entrance and full kitchen ranges from $80,000–$120,000+. We provide a fixed-price quote after your consultation.
Do I need a permit to finish my basement in Toronto?
Yes — any basement finishing that involves framing, electrical, or plumbing requires a building permit from the City of Toronto. We handle all permit applications as part of our service.
How long does a basement renovation take?
A standard basement finish takes 8–12 weeks. A legal secondary suite with a separate entrance typically takes 12–16 weeks. We give you a firm schedule before work begins.
My basement has some moisture — can it still be finished?
Minor moisture issues can often be addressed as part of the renovation. We assess your basement during the consultation and will flag anything that needs to be resolved before finishing work begins.
Can I add a legal rental unit to my Toronto home?
Yes — Toronto's zoning bylaws allow most detached and semi-detached homes to add a legal basement apartment. We handle the design, permits, and build to ensure full compliance.
Ready to Start?
Let's See What Your Basement Can Become
Book a free in-home consultation. We'll walk through your space, discuss your goals, and give you a fixed-price quote — no obligation.