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- Basement Renovations
Basement Renovations
Toronto
Unlock your home’s full potential. Rental apartments, rec rooms, home offices, and legal secondary suites across Toronto and the GTA.
The average Toronto home has hundreds of square feet sitting unused beneath the main floor. A professionally finished basement transforms that raw, underutilized space into one of your home’s most valuable areas — generating rental income, housing extended family, or delivering the lifestyle space your family has been dreaming of.
Total Reno & Design has been finishing and renovating Toronto basements for over 25 years. We understand Ontario Building Code requirements, City of Toronto permit processes, and the specific challenges of GTA homes from century-old stone foundations to modern poured concrete.
400+
Basements Finished
25+
Years Experience
100%
Permit Compliant
4.9★
Google Rating
What Makes Our Service Different
LEGAL SECONDARY SUITES
Legal Basement Apartments That Pass Inspection
Building a legal basement apartment in Toronto requires navigating specific Ontario Building Code requirements that go far beyond a standard finished basement. We have built over 100 legal secondary suites across the GTA and know exactly what City inspectors require at every stage.
Separate entrance with proper weatherproofing and security
Egress windows in every sleeping area meeting OBC size codes
Fire separation and fire-rated assemblies between units
Independent HVAC or supplemental heating for the suite
Legal secondary suite — North York project
Foundation underpinning — Scarborough project
UNDERPINNING & FOUNDATION
Underpinning: Gaining the Headroom You Need
Many Toronto homes — especially bungalows and older semis — have basement ceiling heights of 6’6″ or less. Underpinning lowers the concrete floor by deepening the foundation footings, gaining 12 to 24 inches of headroom and transforming a cramped dark space into a bright, comfortable living area.
Structural engineering and City of Toronto permit included
Sequential underpinning method protects your foundation throughout
New concrete floor poured to final grade after completion
Typical 12 to 24 inch headroom gain depending on conditions
ENTERTAINMENT SPACES
Home Theatres and Entertainment Rooms
A dedicated basement home theatre is one of the most popular and rewarding renovation projects we deliver. We design and build custom theatre rooms with acoustic insulation, coffered ceilings, tiered seating platforms, integrated AV wiring, wet bars, and game areas built into the space.
Acoustic insulation and sound-deadening wall assemblies
Coffered ceilings with recessed lighting and cove accents
Custom tiered seating platforms with built-in storage below
Wet bar with under-counter fridge, sink, and wine storage
Custom home theatre — Etobicoke basement
Home office and rec room — Mississauga basement
HOME OFFICE & MULTI-USE
Productive Workspaces Built Into Your Basement
A well-designed basement home office adds genuine daily value. We create dedicated workspaces with proper lighting, dedicated electrical circuits, structured wiring for ethernet and AV, built-in shelving and desk systems, and acoustic insulation so your calls stay private.
Dedicated 20A electrical circuits for home office equipment
Structured ethernet and AV wiring for high-speed connectivity
Built-in desk systems and wall-to-wall shelving units
Acoustic insulation in walls for maximum sound control
400+ Toronto Basements
More GTA basement renovations than almost any contractor in Toronto, with permits and inspections every time.
Rental-Ready Suites
We build legal secondary suites that pass City of Toronto inspection and are ready to rent from day one.
Moisture-First Approach
Every basement we touch is assessed for moisture and properly waterproofed before a single stud is framed.
What’s Included
- Structural Assessment & Waterproofing — Thorough inspection for moisture, foundation cracks, and structural concerns before any work begins
- Underpinning & Lowering — Foundation lowering for ceiling height gain — structural engineering and permits included
- Legal Secondary Suites — Meets all Toronto Building Code requirements for occupancy — egress, fire separation, separate entrance
- Framing, Insulation & Soundproofing — High R-value insulation and acoustic separation between floors for comfort and quiet
- Drywall, Paint & Ceilings — Full finishing including coffered ceilings, beam accents, pot lights, and professional painting
- Plumbing & Bathroom Addition — Licensed plumbers handle all concrete cutting, rough-in, and City plumbing inspections
- Electrical & Lighting — Full code-compliant wiring, pot lights, dedicated circuits, and smart home integration
- Egress Windows & Window Wells — Cut in concrete and fully installed — required in all sleeping areas and required for legal suites
- Separate Entrance Construction — Side-door, rear stairwell, or walk-up configurations for fully independent access
- Flooring — Luxury vinyl plank, engineered hardwood, polished concrete, and tile rated for below-grade conditions
Our Process
01
Free In-Home Assessment
We inspect ceiling height, foundation condition, moisture levels, and existing mechanical before advising on scope.
02
Design & Layout Planning
Floor plan optimized for your intended use — rental suite, family room, home office, or combination.
03
Permits & Engineering
We prepare and submit all permit applications, including structural engineering for underpinning or beam work.
04
Waterproofing & Structural Work
Moisture issues resolved, underpinning completed, egress windows cut, and separate entrance built.
05
Mechanical Rough-In
All plumbing, electrical, and HVAC rough-in completed, inspected, and signed off by City inspectors.
06
Framing, Insulation & Drywall
Walls framed, insulated, drywalled, and painted. Ceilings completed with integrated lighting.
07
Finishing Trades
Flooring, kitchen or wet bar, bathroom tile and fittings, cabinetry and built-ins all completed.
08
Final Inspection & Handover
City of Toronto final inspection passed. Occupancy permit obtained for secondary suites. Full walkthrough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Most Toronto basement renovations require a building permit — especially if you are adding a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, or separate entrance. We manage the entire permit application on your behalf.
Yes, if it meets Ontario Building Code requirements for a secondary suite: minimum ceiling height, egress windows, a separate entrance, kitchen, bathroom, smoke and CO alarms, and fire separation between units.
A standard finishing project takes 8 to 12 weeks. A basement with underpinning and a legal secondary suite including separate entrance can take 4 to 6 months including permit approval time.
A well-executed kitchen renovation typically returns 70 to 85 percent of its cost in added home value. A modernized kitchen is consistently the feature buyers prioritize most.
Signs include efflorescence on concrete walls, musty odour, visible mould, water stains, or damp insulation. We perform a thorough moisture assessment as part of our free consultation.
A well-executed basement renovation typically returns 70 to 75 percent of its cost in added home value, with full payback often achieved when the basement generates ongoing rental income.
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