Common Questions
Basement Renovation FAQ
Can you build a legal secondary suite in my basement?
Yes — legal secondary suites (basement apartments) are one of our core services. This requires meeting Ontario Building Code requirements for ceiling height, egress windows, fire separation, and a separate electrical panel or metering, plus a full permit application. We handle the drawings and city submission as part of the project.
Do I need a permit to finish my basement?
Finishing a basement for personal use (family room, home office, gym) generally requires a permit if you're adding a bathroom, altering egress windows, or changing the electrical panel. A legal secondary suite always requires a permit. We confirm exactly what's needed during the site assessment.
How do you handle basement waterproofing and moisture issues?
We assess moisture sources before any finishing work starts — grading, weeping tile condition, and existing cracks — and address them first. Framing and insulation are then installed with a vapor barrier appropriate to the space, so the finished basement doesn't trap moisture behind drywall.
How long does a basement renovation take?
A standard basement finishing project (framing, electrical, drywall, flooring) typically takes 4-6 weeks. A legal secondary suite with a separate entrance, kitchen, and bathroom usually takes 8-12 weeks due to permit review and inspection scheduling.
