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Canvas BuildsRenovation Contractors

Kitchener-Waterloo · Bradford · Toronto & GTA

Basement Finishing & Legal Basement Suites

A finished basement adds living space without adding to your home’s footprint. We build family rooms, home offices, gyms and guest areas, as well as legal secondary suites that can be rented out.

A legal basement apartment has specific requirements for exits, fire separation, smoke and CO alarms, ceiling height and ventilation. We plan the suite around those requirements from the start and handle the building permit and inspections.

Get a free estimate (647) 259-7848
Basement walk-up separate entrance for a legal secondary suite

What’s included

  • Framing, insulation and vapour barrier
  • Drywall, ceilings, trim and paint
  • Walk-up separate entrances and egress windows
  • Fire separation and interconnected smoke/CO alarms
  • Basement kitchens, kitchenettes and bathrooms
  • Flooring suited to below-grade spaces
  • Permit drawings, applications and inspections

Legal secondary suites

To be legal, a basement apartment must meet the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code requirements for a second unit and pass municipal inspections. Ontario now permits additional residential units on most urban residential lots, so many homeowners are adding income suites.

We review your basement during the estimate and tell you what is needed — for example a separate entrance, egress window, added fire separation or ceiling height changes — before you commit.

Our work

More basement finishing & legal suites projects

  • Basement suite kitchen with island
    Basement suite kitchen with island
  • Finished basement bedroom with laminate flooring
    Finished basement bedroom with laminate flooring
  • Basement suite kitchenette with laundry
    Basement suite kitchenette with laundry

FAQ

Basement Finishing & Legal Suites FAQs

Can’t find your answer? Call or send us a message — we’re happy to help.

Do I need a permit to finish my basement?

In most Ontario municipalities, finishing a basement — especially adding a bathroom or creating a second unit — requires a building permit. We prepare the application and book the inspections.

What makes a basement apartment legal?

It must meet the building and fire code requirements for a second unit — exits, fire separation, smoke and CO alarms, ceiling height and ventilation — and pass municipal inspections.

Can you add a separate entrance to my basement?

Yes. Walk-up side or rear entrances are common for basement suites and require a permit. We handle the design, permit and construction.

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What our clients say

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Contact

Get a free basement finishing & legal suites estimate

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